· 24
i
overthrow the Maritime Customs, I, therefore, tele-
graphed to you pointing out that the position as
regards Hong Kong was most grave, because the Colony
was ceded to Great Britain by reason of article III
of the Treaty of Nanking, while it was article X of
the same treaty as regards imports and exports which
the Canton Government defied. "It is, moreover,
I
added, "the avowed object of the Nationalist Party to
regain both Hong Kong and the New Territorios leased
to Great Britain under the Convention of 1898. If,
therefore, the sanctity of treaties is not defended, not only are the trade and future prosperity of Hong Kong seriously menaced, but our title deeds to the
Colony and the New Territories become mere scraps of
paper. I am convinced that the Canton Government will
of set purpose ignore and defy treaties up to the point
at which it meets with forcible resistance. In such
circumstances a policy of conciliation is futile, and I earnestly hope that His Majesty's Government will
insist upon strict observance of our treaties and allow no alteration in them except by negotiation in proper form". (Hong Kong telegram to Colonial Office, dated 31st October).
29. You replied in a telegram, dated the 4th November:- "Any policy based on the assertion of treaty-rights by force of arms, either with or with- out the co-operation of the other Powers, is entirely impracticable". And meanwhile the Foreign Office instructed Sir. R. Macleay to explain to his colleagues that the attitude of His Majesty's Government was as
follows:-
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