My telegram 18th January. [1]

1. I am afraid that I must let you know that the decision to admit
only fifty Chinese and fifty Eurasians in the first instance has
caused acute bitterness and uneasiness here. Two Representatives
of the Chinese Government, one of whom is Representative at the
Allied War Council [2], have spoken of it in the strongest terms
and so have local Chinese leaders who are giving us every
assistance in civil defence and to whom I have promised and intend
to give my full support.

In this city of 600,000, of whom 85% are Chinese, it is absolutely
essential that we should have this assistance but we cannot expect
much if we are unable to obtain even temporary asylum for wives
and children of those who wish to send them away.

I emphasise the following points:-

(1) These people ask only for temporary refuge and desire to
return here as soon as they can;

(2) everyone will be guaranteed as of good character and
independent means, or
(3) if not of independent means, will be maintained at the cost of
the Malayan Government.

I ask most earnestly for early and favourable reply to my request
to be allowed to send you up to 5,000 people of Chinese or
Eurasian extraction at my discretion. [3]