Cypher/OTP
DIPLOMATIC DISTRIBUTION
172
FROM NANKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
Sir R. Stevenson
No. 1333
25th August, 1949
Repeated to: Singapore,
D: 10.33.a.m. 25th August, 1949 R: 1.20.p.m. 25th August, 1949
PRIORITY
CONFIDENTIAL
LIGHT
Shanghai Hong Kong.
•
170
171
Addressed to Foreign Office telegram No. 1333, of 25th August, repeated for information to Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Shanghai telegram No. 406 to me, paragraph (not repeated to Hong Kong).
As you will have seen from my telegram No. 518 to Shanghai (not repeated to Hong Kong) I have maintained categorically that there has been no (repeat no) change in the policy of His Majesty's Government regarding Hong Kong, and that it remains as stated by the Minister of Defence in the House of Commons on June 22nd.
2. Nevertheless, I am not (repeat not) surprised that the impression has been gained by the British community in Shanghai that His Majesty's Government are resigned to a clash with the Communists over Hong Kong. What seems here to be undue publicity has been given to warlike preparations on foot in the Colony, and to the number and variety of the reinforcements. All this, as we know, has been carefully noted by the Communists and it is adding a good deal to the disquiet of British Communities in China.
3. Unless there are overriding reasons for continuing this publicity of which I am not aware I would be most grateful for anything that can be done, e.g., with the B.B.C. and Reuters to restrict it.
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