THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT.
SECRET.
C.O.S.(48) 70.
16 JUN 1942
COPY NO.
76
9th June, 1048.
0.0. ....
CHIEFS OF STAFF COMMITTEE
KOWLOON CITY
Copy of a letter (reference 54145/16/48) dated 7th June, 1948, from the Colonial Office to the
Ministry of Defence.
I am directed by Mr. Secretary Creech Jones to refer to this Department's letter No.54145/16/48 of the 12th April, 1948, on the subject of the exercise of Chinese jurisdiction in Kowloon City and to Mr. Alexander's reply to Lord Listowel of the 8th May and to say that a Chinese proposal for a compromise solution of the Kowloon jurisdiction question has recently been made.
It is intended to refer this proposal to the Governor of Hong Kong in a telegram of which a draft copy is attached.+ The concurrence of the Foreign Office, who are receiving a copy of this letter, is also being sought in the proposed telegram.
It will be seen that the Chinesc proposal involves a partial surrender of jurisdiction in Kowloon City to the Chinese but, for the reasons given in the telegram, Mr. Creech Jones is of opinion that the proposal should be considered at this stage.
Mr. Creech Jones would be glad to learn whether the Minister of Defence concurs in the proposed telegram. reply to this letter would be appreciated.
An early
(Signed)
J.B. SIDEBOTHAM.
Ministry of Defence, S.W.1.
9th June, 1948.
+ Annex.