OUTWARD TELEGRAM
[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be
kept under Lock and Key.]
234
57
[THIS TELEGRAM IS OF PARTICULAR SECRECY AND SHOULD BE RETAINED
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(F 8482/828/10)
[CYPHER]
WAR CABINET DISTRIBUTION
TO: THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FROM FOREIGN OFFICE TO WASHINGTON
No. 8264
D. 10.35 p.m. 29th December, 1942.
29th December, 1942.
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IMMEDIATE
Our negotiations with the Chinese Government for a treaty abrogating extra-territoriality have reached stage where we are agreed on all points except one. Chinese have asked that we should now, either in the treaty or separately declare our readiness to return the Kowloon leased territory adjacent to Hong Kong, lease of which was acquired by us in 1898 for 99 years under the Convention for the Extension of the Hong Kong Territory signed at Peking.
2. We have pointed out that this has nothing to do with extra-territoriality and being an enlargement of British territory is in a different category from concessions rendition of which is provided for in treaty. To meet Chinese we have offered to state in an exchange of letters that if Chinese Government wish to raise this question we consider that it is a matter for discussion when victory is won. Chinese Minister for Foreign affairs has indicated that this solution is unacceptable. I have informed His Majesty's unbassador however that beyond some possible adjustments in wording of the exchange of letters we are not prepared to go and I have addressed to United States Chargé d'affaires letter of which text is contained in my immediately following telegram.
3. Please do what you can to enlist United States help in inducing Chinese to abandon their attitude persistence in which will render signature of treaty impossible. I suggest that you might get into touch with Mr. Winant who has worked closely with me here on this subject and who might be able to assist.
4. We had hoped to be in a position to sign simultaneously with the United States Government on 1st January and we have made all arrangements to enable us to do this if present difficulty is removed or as soon thereafter as United States Government are also ready to sign.
O.T.P.