་
there will not be much point in attempting to deal
specifically with the question whether we should take the
initiative in opening negotiations with the Chinese.
4. It is recommended that the Secretary of State should
take the line that it would be preferable to defer any
discussion of this question until after the Far East
(Official) Committee had reported to its Ministerial
Committee. If, however, the Secretary of State could put
in a word with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
at this stage in favour of an early public statement
affirming our intention to remain in Hong Kong, that might
prove to be useful when the matter comes before the
Ministerial Committee.
Colonial Office,
3rd January, 1947.
Jr.,