FO371-46258 — Page 164

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SECRET

Enter

WARNING: This is an unparaphrased version of a secret cypher or confidential code message and the text must first be paraphrased * If it, is essential to communicate it to persons outside British or Allied Government Services. (*Note: Messages shown as having been sent in a One-Time Pidy

From

C.in C. Hong."Kangxcepted from this rule.) Date 15.11

Recd. 1140.

C. C. M. 5 Services P and I (Sec

1945

IN

Addressed Info:

War Office

Admiralty, ALFSEA, Colonial Office.

There are in Hong Kong approximately 200 Chinese other ranks who were enlisted in the regular Army prior to the surrender.

2.

No repeat no records are available here but following have produced evidence that they were in Army prior to surrender Hong Kong Singapore Royal Artillery 85, Hong Kong Fortress Company REN 15, sole survivors Hong Kong Regiment 11, R.A.M.C.12. Some were ordered to disperse on surrender to avoid capture. Some were prisoners of war and later escaped or were released. Morale and esprit de corps of majority high.

3. Information previous efficiency obtainable from Lieut.Colonel Lamb repeat Lamb, Royal Engineers repatriated by air ex Hong Kong to U.K. 10th September, and Majors George Louis Ryan and G.W. Cross with Royal Artillery repatriated on EMPRESS OF AUSTRALIA ex Hong Kong 6th September.

4.

On re-occupation of Hong Kong these men were paid RAPWI rates.

5. Have now organised men as Pioneer Company on basic pay under land forces and am providing rations and accommodation as they had growing feeling they had been forgotten by authorities and repercussions on public opinion were likely to be unfavourable unless action taken. Pioneer Unit useful for rehabilitation colony.

6. Suggest consideration be given to form permanent pioneer unit with British Chinese speaking officers.

7. Alternative would be to disband personnel. In latter case request instructions regarding payment of arrears of pay and war gratuity. In this respect their position appears similar to Chinese Naval Ratings who have reported for duty and been re-engaged by Commodore Hong Kong. Admiralty signal 252208 October to Commodore Hong Kong refers.

8. Land forces signalled ALFSEA 27 September requesting instructions but no reply received.

9. War Office pass to colonial Office,

N.A. to D.F.S.L.

P.A.S. (L)

C.W.I.(2)

D. of M.

1313362

M.(16) for W.0. and 0.0.

*

ME

D. of P.(0)(3)

N. (459)

C.W.

(2)

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