Extract from "HSIN SHENG WAN PAO" dated 12.9.46
Our plan to establish a "District Office" in Kowloon City is in full swing.
PO ON District Government repeatedly seeks instructions from the Foreign Ministry.
KWOK TAK WA instructed to render assistance in the proceedings by the Foreign Ministry.
(Our special correspondent).
The special news from our Canton correspondent concerning the
proposed establishment of a District Office in Kowloon City by our
Government, appearing in our issue of the 6th instant, has drawn the
attention of the local Chinese residents who are concerned about the
interests of their Fatherland.
But the matter has not yet been
confirmed by KWOK TAK WA, the Commissioner of Foreign Affairs for
Kwangtung and Kwangsi who refuses to make a statement on the subject.
In order to find out the true facts in this matter, our
correspondent called on the PO ON District Authorities yesterday. It
happened that LAM HAP TSZ († ★ ) the District Magistrate and
TAM KA LAM (K), Head of the Civil Affairs Department, were
both away in Canton on business and the correspondent was interviewed by
Secretary FONG), who stated: "The District Government has not
ceased its preparations for the establishment of a District Office in
Kowloon City. Matters relating to re-construction, administration,
education and public health are under consideration. TAM KA LAM, Head
of the Civil Affairs Department is remaining in Canton for this sole
purpose.*
According to Secretary FONG, the using of the word "Rendition" in
connection with the matter does not appear suitable, since China has not
lost her sovereignty in Kowloon City to any country. Although the city
is within the Leased Territory but it is not included in that territory
in accordance with the Kowloon Treaty signed between China and Britain
in 1898 and therefore China still has its sovereignty. It is also
stipulated in the Treaty that the Chinese Government may establish a
District Office there on the condition that it will not impede the
"Police Administration" of the Kowloon Leased Territory and of the "Ceded
territory".