to withdrav. Since the establishment of the Republic the
(Chinese) Government has not stationed officials there.
But the withdrawal of the Hanchu officials and the fact
that no officials have been stationed ther since the
Republic cannot alter the meaning of the Convention at the
time it was concluded; still less can rights reserved by the
Convention be cancelled. Since in accordance with the Con-
vention the city of Kowloon remains under the jurisdiction
of Chinese officials, then Chinese persons living within
the City naturally have the right to reside freely there.
The present order of the Hongkong Goverɛment o nstraining
residents within the city to remove in a body conflicts both
with the explicit text of the Convention and the original
intention at the time of its conclusion. Moreover, the re-
lations between China and Great Britain having always been
so friendly, it would scarcely appear expedient to stir up
a treaty dispute-in addition to causing suffering to many
citizens simply for the sake of constructing a public
park.
In calling Your Excellency's attention to the above,
I trust that Your Excellency will as soon as possible request
the Hong Kong Government to cancel their determination to
order persons residing within the city of Kowloon to remove,
The favour of a reply is requested. I avail myself
of this opportunity of renewing to Your Excellency the
assurance of my highest consideration.
(SGD) LO WEN-KAN
BAL OF MINISTRY OF PURSIGN AFFAIRS.