FO371-46258 — Page 228

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26

FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.

F 10697/1147/10

30th November 1945.

Thank you for your letter of the 8th November about the entry of American businessmen to Hongkong.

I should like to emphasise in the first place that, Hongkong being a liberated territory, it has been necessary to restrict the entry of civilians into Hongkong in the same way as in the Philippines. The businessmen who have so far been allowed in are confined to bankers, British and Allied including Americans, and one or two industrial organizations such as those providing public utilities which are essential to the life of the community With these exceptions United States businessmen have been in exactly the same position as British businessmen. It has however now been decided to re-open the Colony to private trading and details of the arrangements will be communicated as soon as possible. The same considerations apply generally in the case of Malaya.

U.S. citizens desiring to proceed to Hongkong should now apply to the Chief Civil Affairs Officer at Hongkong for permission to enter. Applicants should state their occupation and whether previously resident in Hongkong. Priority (as in the case also of persons returning to Malaya and North Borneo) will be given to those formerly engaged in one of the following occupations at Hongkong:-

Public Utilities and essential services; Lawyers and Doctors etc.; Banking;

JM.Alison Esq.,

American Embassy. United States

Merchants/

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