F 1741/177/10.
sir,
OUT FILE
S.F.1.
182
16th March, 1940.
Page 271
With reference to Colonial Office letter
No. 53838/35/40 of the 29th February, I am directed by
Viscount Halifax to enclose a copy of a telegram from His
Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo on the subject of the release
and repatriation of the Chinese soldiers interned at Hong Kong.
2.
In view of the present delicate state of Anglo-
Japanese relations, Lord Halifax agrees with Sir Robert
Craigie that it would be inopportune to release the prisoners
at the present time. hile fully appreciating the
difficulties caused to the Government of Hong Kong by the
Fresence of these prisoners in the colony, he would therefore
suggest that consideration of this question should be
deferred for the moment.
I am,
sir,
Your bedient Servant,
The Under-Secretary of State,
Colonial office.
(Sd.) R. G. HOWE
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