Page 27
Page 27
of the benefits to ourselves), there is something to be said for our taking the kudos for it rather than wait until we are ostensibly driven into doing this by pressure from the Chinese or the Americans, or both. But I recognise that to make any statement about Hong Kong on our own initiative does open the way for black- mail of one kind and another by the Chinese (though I believe this to be the lesser evil).
In view of the Secretary of State's instructions on F 412/G, I take it that there is nothing that we can be authorised to say along the lines of the two preceding paragraphs and I therefore suggest that we decline the Colonial Office invitation on the ground that we have nothing to contribute.
As regards the letter from the China Association, there is clearly nothing more to say to them unless something should emerge from a meeting at the Colonial Office which was acceptable to higher authority.
Jos.
Ohley Clarka:
3rd September, 1943.
Then is no
c meeting.
Load to in
The China Assoc
Alte
(12) Jana. on 2.8) gives the &
have along warded
chil
u com
In holdy
Stong Kong.
D
Ł
We
include
may
a defence scosity fore
it in
but can
hardly way
before
Fork is organised.
е
4.1+
be within letter from to bucket. (AME
to the Ashley blanke of Lept. 22
ABB.
"27/9
Page 27
Page 27
Page 27