8.
branch in Hong Kong a person who would be acceptable to this
Government and the local Chinese populace, and who would work
in a proper relation of subordination to the diplomatic repre-
sentative of the Chinese Government here who should be properly
appointed and accredited as such in the regular manner, and who
would be expected to conform to the standards of behaviour
generally followed according to international usage by consular
representatives abroad. Any change in the Government of China
which might seriously impair the influence of the Kuomintang in
that Government would undoubtedly weaken materially the
influence of the Kuomintang in Hong Kong; but the strength of
other parties here might grow in proportion and give rise to no
less difficult problems. Or if the United States of America
saw a value for themselves in the British retention of Hong Kong
as a place from which they might conduct their trade with China
in conditions such as have already disappeared from China itself,
they might use their influence with a majority Kuomintang
Government of China to secure that the Kuomintang did not
achieve the disappearance of such conditions from Hong Kong also.
19.
In conclusion I might mention that the rivalries between
the Kuomintang and the opposing Chinese political parties in
Hong Kong have, insofar as non-Chinese take sides with the
various protagonists, assumed the aspect of a minor religious
war, since general doctrinaire leanings towards or away from
Communism on the part of religious bodies tend to produce
allegiance to the side which is in sympathy towards or opposed
to the Chinese Communists. This is not unimportant in a place
like Hong Kong on which large missionary organisations are
based, and tends to heighten rivalries and the tension of
feeling.
să. T. Megarry.
Acting Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
27.11.46.