(f)
the built-up area of Kowloon which is
at present included in the New
Territories.
The absence of any good reason why we
should agree to the premature
termination of the lease without any
quid pro quo.
13. We consider therefore that if the
Chinese seek the discussions contemplated in
1943 concerning the leased areas, we should
first of all make it a condition prior to the
opening of the discussions that the discussions
should be confined to the leased territories,
of possible,
and, that any arrangement that is reached as the
result of those discussions in respect of the
leased territory should be regarded as the final
settlement of the so-called Hong Kong question.
We should then be ready to discuss the New
Territories lease on the basis of conducting
On
a joint review of it in the light of the changes
which have occurred since it was first made and
present-day circumstances and conditions.
this basis, we might be able to come to some arrangement which would be acceptable to both
sides, and, as a maximum, we should be prepared
to offer to agree to the premature termination
of the lease within a reasonable period on the
conditions suggested in Annex II, which would
meet our needs and difficulties, referred to in
(a) sub-paragraphs, (d) and (e) of the preceding
paragraph.
14. To summarise, our conclusions are:
(a)
That a reassuring statement concerning
our intention to remain in Hong Kong
should be made at the earliest
convenient opportunity (paragraph 10):
(b) That