A handwritten message, signed by Vandeleur Grayburn, Chief Manager, on 31 July 1942, whilst he was held under duress in Hong Kong during the Second World War. The message was sent via secret radio broadcast to Oliver Edwards, an employee of the bank in China who had escaped Swatow (Shantou) and reached Chungking (Chongqing) to help set up a new branch. It reads:
'Message received, carry on, good luck. Is it possible to draw on you. Staff safe except Fielden, Bompas, Matthews, Wylie killed in action. L/O [London Office] already advised. Advise Morse, my opinion is losses will be heavy therefore suggest withhold any dividends until peace (stop) Are now compelled under threats to sign uncovered notes (stop) To alleviate British and friendly nationals we are selling surreptitiously by rupee and sterling drafts on letter paper dated 23rd Dec 1941 (stop) These have approval Gimson Colonial Secretary (stop) Please arrange with exchange controls pay if presented (stop) Staff requests make every endeavour repatriate self as only person who can clarify present situation (message ends) Please reply.'
See also HQ GHO 0410, which includes background information on how the message was communicated to Chungking.
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