16
life of the Colony is now inextricably bound
up with that of the New Territories not merely
from the point of view of defence but also from
the economic and administrative aspect, and that
there can be no question of surrendering the New
Territories if Hong Kong is to remain an integral
unit of the British Empire. Sir C. Clementi recognised,
however, that it was impracticable for H.M. G. to
commit themselves in advance to measures designed
to secure for the Colony the permanent enjoyment
of the leased area, since any such decision must
be taken in the light of the political and other
circumstances prevailing at the time that the issue might be
We raised.
Provided, therefore, that H.M.G.
appreciated the force of the considerations which
دستيما
did not press for
he had advanced, he wouldıbe content tó leave
any immediate action in the malter.
to their judgment the prosecution of any such a
policy as OGCADİONerosc.
3. In the meantime, however, he desired
guidance on the two following questions:
(1) In view of the fact that the New Territories
were only leased from China, and that the lease had
more
only 69 years to run, was he in order in devoting
to