make to the Chinese for the removal of Mr. Kwok. This is being considered on another file. Apart from this, and while the Governor is not in quite the same position as the Ambassador to adopt a non-committal attitude in public on the subject of the future of Hong Kong, it is obviously desirable, in the present rather delicate international situation, that any proposals for publicity in Hong Kong on any matter directly involving future policy, whether arising out of Chinese propaganda or activities or otherwise, should be considered from the international aspect before any decision is taken. It is, I think, as much in our own interests as anybody else's that this should be done. There is also the Parliamentary aspect to be considered.
30.9.46.
21 From Gov. Hong Kong Saving. 198 (9/3361/46) Conf.
24/9/46
22 Ma. North
minute to Miss Ruston - 26/9/46
23 To H.K.
Tel. 97% Restricted
27.9.46.
Sir G. Gater.
Sir Mark Young's action, which he reported briefly in a telegram at No.14 and in greater detail in No.21, has undoubtedly been effective. For example, Sir R. Stevenson reports in No.20 that the position of the Hong Kong Government has been made clear by the issue of this communiqué and by the interview with Mr. Kwok, and that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, realising that they have allowed themselves to be put into a false position by a party of hot-heads, now show some disinclination to stand behind this campaign about jurisdiction within the city walls of Kowloon City.
Nevertheless I agree with Mr. Mayle that it is desirable that, whenever possible, both the Secretary of State and our Ambassador in China should be consulted in advance about action which the Hong Kong Government proposes to take before countering Chinese propaganda or other activities affecting the status of the island of Hong Kong or the New Territories. That is of particular importance when the Hong Kong proposals involve publicity.
There is another reason for putting this point to Sir Mark Young in that the Foreign Office
at