1
to find whatever compromise solution
acceptable to both sides is least
objectionable from our point of view. To
this end previous proposals have been reviewed
here.
3. The proposal least objectionable from our
point of view and which might stand any chance of
! acceptance by the Chinese seems to be that
area.
area should be handed over for use of a Chinese
Consul-General as residence or office or branch-
office with compound attached, whole area being
enclosed for this purpose and general responsibility
for what takes place within therefore resting on
practice the Consul-Genera 1. Accepted international prosedure
for premises occupied by Consular representatives
would then apply to conduct of persons within the
This would imply that disciplinary matters
would be dealt with by the Chinese, serious crimes by
the Hong Kong Police and Courts. It seems unlikely
that Chinese would agree to accept a lease of the area
from the Hong Kong Government and it is, therefore,
contemplated that, arrangement might possibly be
made by international agreement which would not
refer to tenure of the area, but would open with
some such preamble as has already been suggested by
us and accepted by the Chinese - viz. the opening
sentences of part II of my telegram No. 691.
4.
•
Chinese may well not agree to appointment of
Consul-General. In that event our best course
might be to fall back on substantially the same
proposal substituting for "Consul-General", "representative
of Government of China" or even Mr. Kwok's present
designation, but adding that the official in question
would have consular status, privileges and immunities.
This arrangement would provide a recognised standard
/according
(249/50)