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I've tried to copy the original document here but no joy there, here are the words from the Houdaille Service manual.
"Three types of fluid have been used by the manufacturer. Smell is the best way to detect the different types.
If the fluid has an alcoholic odor the fluid is of glycerine base. If the fluid has an oily odor, the fluid is of petroleum base. If the fluid has a vegetable odor, the fluid is of castor oil base. For shock absorbers having a glycerine base fluid, wash reservoir in water. For shock absorbers having a petroleum base fluid, wash reservoir in kerosene. For shock absorbers having a castor oil base fluid, wash reservoir in kerosene."
It appears you can use any of these three fluids. However IMHO Caster Oil or Glycerine would be the easier way to go. They are both readily available from a druggist or pharmacy and their viscosity and weight is unlikely to have changed since Houdaille used them.
Hydraulic oil on the other hand comes in many different grades and finding the correct one would I suggest be a hit and miss excersise.
One other thing which the manual mentions is to disconnect the shock lever and move it by hand back and forth as you add the fluid, this way the fluid gets into the inner chamber. Fluid is filled to the bottom of the plug hole.
Good luck.