CO537-2187 — Page 217

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there will not be much point in attempting to deal

specifically with the question whether we should take the

initiative in opening negotiations with the Chinese.

4. It is recommended that the Secretary of State should

take the line that it would be preferable to defer any

discussion of this question until after the Far East

(Official) Committee had reported to its Ministerial

Committee. If, however, the Secretary of State could put

in a word with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

at this stage in favour of an early public statement

affirming our intention to remain in Hong Kong, that might

prove to be useful when the matter comes before the

Ministerial Committee.

Colonial Office,

3rd January, 1947.

Jr.,