2
be an alien law but it is law, and as such, respected.
No
strong political consciousness exists among the trading
31
community. In Hong Kong they have stability and a chance to
make money. Few of them at present ask for more.
In view of these facts the sporadic agitation
for Hong Kong's return to China has an air of unreality. The
leaders of the Kuomingtang realise that it will meet with no
immediate success, but their long term aims are hardly concealed.
Pressure is assiduously brought to bear on the British authorities
and a Special Commissioner for Kwangsi and Kwantung, a memberof
the Chinese Foreign Office staff, operates officially in the
Colony. A clamorous agitation, backed by threats of sanctions
by the Chinese Government, followed the recent suppression of
a Kuomintang newspaper for adminal livel against the pro-British
editor of another Hong Kong newspaper.
Indeed the existing status of Hong Kong has
many advantages for Kuomintang. The British authorities are
effusively respectful and accommodating and the Colony provides
a convenient hideout for any member of the ruling clique who
may fall from favour and who wishes to secure some protection
for his person and his cash. Much money is made by smuggiing
goods our of the Colony and in recent months whole divisions
of Chinese government troops have been given facilities to
embark at Hong Kong with their American equipment to fight
the Communists in Manchuria. There is, therefore, tacit agree --
ment to have in abeyance the question of Hong Kong's future.
But Britain's right to stay will not remain unchallenged in-
definitely and her justification for resisting China's claims
will depend largely on the benefits which she has conferred
on the local inhabitants.
How does the record stand at present?
Inevitably one is reminded of India. In the sphere of Public
Works much has been done. Magnificent Peservoirs provide clean
and abundant water. Excellent roads, superbly engineered, wind
up the Peak and round the island and the New Territories. Much money has been spent on these roads, mainly, the Chinese feel