[Letterhead in blue ink, reads: ‘DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS.’ 'CABLEGRAM.' 'SECRET.']

PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL [underlined]

To:

Department of External Affairs,

CANBERRA

22nd May, 1948.

CYPHER [underlined]

No. 334

Personal for Burton from Stuart.

See my telegram 333. Immigration are lucky to get off so lightly but they have still to face case of Huis and Foos. We can imagine press reactions to their return to Sydney. On assumption that humane factors are of no concern, best course is to let this office pay their fares to Hongkong, if they can be persuaded to go there, as all are Chinese nationals and Chinese immigration into Hongkong is unrestricted except in case of deportees. But I am sure you share my revulsion from turning them loose in such a place without resources, and my own hope is that the women at least are returned to Australia.

Authorised by:

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