to British trade, but would be glad of advice
as to how to set about it. He is convinced
that now is the time or never to moot the
proposal with the Chinese Govt., and the
suggestion that we should wait until the date
of the expiry of the lease draws nearer and
the position begins to show more definite
signs of having an adverse effect on
commercial concerns before making any concrete
proposals, does not appeal to him.
The
reason he gives for his disapproval of this
suggestion is that, as the expiry date draws
nearer, so the position will come more and more
to resemble a forced sale on the part of
Gt. Britain, assuming that at that time the
Chinese Govt. would be willing to sell. It
is interesting to note that Sir Geoffny
Northcote is of the opinion that, with the fall
of Canton and the occupation of much of the
胳膊
Kwangtung Province by the Japanese, the market
may already have been missed.
"
In para.7 the Governor touches upon the
defence side of the question, and in this
connection his arguments seem at least
logical, taking a long view of the subject.
Finally, he summarises his contentions as
follows:
(1) Hong Kong's survival into the next
century is of prime importance to the future
of British trade in China:
(2) That survival depends upon retention
of at least part of the leased Territories:
(3) The position is one which should
receive immediate consideration.
It seems to me difficult to asses the real
value