SECRET
(F 13999/154/10)
RESTRICTED
Dear Sidebotham,
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.
9th October 1948.
&
RECEIVED
12 OCT 1948
인
C. O. REGY
K.
289
I understand that Scarlett spoke to you on the 1st October about the impasse reached as a result of the Chinese linking up a settlement of the Kowloon City question with the question of compensation for the burning of our Consulate General at Canton and adjacent British property, and that you were going to urge the Governor of Hong Kong to give an early reply. I enclose copies of Nanking telegrams Nos. 609 and 787 on the subject of the Canton incident, for easy reference.
The Minister-Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Dr. Tuan, spoke about the Kowloon City question when he called on Dening on the 7th and expressed the hope that it would be settled while the Chinese Foreign Minister was in Europe. A similar suggestion was made to Sir Ralph Stevenson by the Chinese Ambassador, who has in fact broached the matter with Sir Ralph on no fewer than three occasions. In answer to a question by Dening, Dr. Tuan replied that he thought that Dr. Wang Shih-Chieh would be staying for another two weeks, and that he believed Dr. Wang wished to visit this country before returning to China.
J.B. Sidebotham Esq.
Colonial Office.
/At
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