42
The
refusal to make any concessions in Hong Kong in the
event of conditions in the former concessions proving so disturbed that trade is restricted or impossible. number of requests which have already been received from foreign Governments for the re-opening of their consulates in Hong Kong may be regarded as evidence in support of this argument. It is clear in any case that our nationals in China will be far more vunerable than
before should Chinese hostile elements decide on an anti- British policy in which case the protection of the British flag in Hong Kong would be of paramount importance.