Original at: икк 2214. This Copy for: HKIL Ifly
luist on only/Action an Parc(s)
Descriptive Note No. 13
VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG
APRIL 1970
History and Constitution
History
The land area of Hong Kong is approximately 400 square miles in extent. Hong Kong Island (29 square miles) was
The
ceded by China to Britain as a trading station in 1841.
Kowlcon Peninsular together with Stonecutters Island, Green
Island and Ap Lei Chau Island were added in 1860 under the
Convention of Peking. In 1898 the New Territories (approximately 365 square miles), which consist of the rural
areas north of Kowloon together with more than 230 other
islands, were leased by China to Great Britain for 99 years.
2。 On 8 December, 1941, the same day as their attack on Pearl Harbour, the Japanese attacked Hong Kong from the main- land. After stubborn resistance the Colony surrendered on
Christmas Day: the subsequent Japanese occupation lasted three
years and seven months.
Constitution
ろ。 Hong Kong is administered by the Governor assisted by entirely nominated Executive and Legislative Councils, over
which the Governor presides. There is no elected represen-
tation in these two Councils.
4。 The Executive Council consists of five ex-officio members
and one official member, together with cight unofficial members.