2
Prior to 1931, the Hongkong Government did not consider the City
as part of the Leased Territory so no control was placed over it.
But since 1931 the British Police Administration has been extended to
within the city and its population gradually came under the
jurisdiction of a Hongkong Police Superintendent, converting it into
the status of a Leased Territory. However our Government has not
abandoned its sovereignty. It was only neglected when China was in
trouble.
On taking up his appointment as District Magistrate, LAM HAP TSZ
did not wish to see our territory, lying in desolation, so he wrote to
the Foreign Ministry asking for instructions to establish a District
Office. The matter was discussed in official correspondence for over
a month and eventually the Foreign Ministry agreed that a District
Office should be established and that Kwok Tak Wa, the Commissioner
of Foreign Affairs should be consulted with in its proceedings.
Henceforth the District Government has been busily engaged in its
preparations.
Asked why it was reported in a certain Hongkong newspaper that
KWOK TAK WA had denied knowledge of the matter or seeing TAM KA LAM,
the Departmental Chief, Secretary FONG, replied: "KWOK, the Commissioner
might be speaking on a diplomatic viewpoint. As a matter of fact, all
correspondence on subject between the District Government and the
Foreign Ministry passed through him. Furthermore the visit to Hongkong
by TAM KA LAM was to interview the Foreign Commissioner and request him
to render assistance by visiting the old site of Kowloon City for the
purpose of setting up a District Office."
"However after spending a few days in Hongkong, TAM failed to see
the Foreign Commissioner, so he interviewed his secretary and discussed
the matter. They did not come to any satisfactory result so no one
from the Commissioner's Office was sent to inspect Kowloon City". In conclusion, Secretary FONG said: "There is no doubt about the setting up of a District Office in Kowloon City. Of course, we hope that it could be arranged through the diplomatic channels. Moreover, it is a simple matter and it is very easy for anybody to understand and it should not