105
X х соруш Envelope attached is file
ôfice
Chinese nationality.
If therefore the course now proposed
is adopted it would involve abandoning the arrangement
contemplated in the original instructions to Sir Miles
Lampson (referred to in paragraph 3 above) only in so far
as that arrangement related to transient visitors. Sir
John Simon recognises that the question of transient
visitors is one to which great importance is attached.
In future they would receive in general the good offices
of British Consuls but would not be withdrawn from
Chinese jurisdiction. Sir John Simon would, however,
be prepared to give sympathetic consideration to any
further suggestions that the Colonial authorities
concerned might wish to make on this subject.
5
If undenationalised Anglo-Chinese are in future to
be treated in all respects as Chinese citizens in China
it would be necessary to amend the definition of "British
Subject" in Article 3 of the Order in Council of 1925 so
as to exclude from it persons who possess Chinese
nationality under Chinese law. Before this amendment
is made, however, it seems desirable that Sir Miles Lampson
should endeavour to obtain, as suggested in Paragraph 14
of his despatch enclosed herein, an authoritative ruling
from the Chinese Government as to the national status
under the Chinese law of the children of denationalised
Chinese, and also that he should consider carefully and
report on the position of existing registrants with a
view to the avoidance of unnecessary hardship in individual
The position of transient visitors would also
cases.
have to receive careful consideration.
6.