CO537-2187 — Page 63

1761 ΛΟΝ ΣΕ

Cypher/OTP.

DEPARTMENTAL NO. 1.

FROM NANKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE.

Sir R. Stevenson. No. 1024.

30th October 1947.

D. 1.40 p.m. 30th October 1947.

R. 3.20 p.m. 30th October 1947.

Repeated to: Hong Kong.

CONFIDENTIAL.

attached

Your telegram No.1165 (not repeated

Hong Kong). Hong Kong telegram No.1663 to you.

Future of Hong Kong.

(132)

Following for Scott from Lamb.

According to North China daily news report

of October 22nd, their representative during a press interview with Parliamentary Mission October 21st asked what were their views regarding Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' [gps, undec. report to] Peoples Political Council that a "rational solution to Hong Kong sovereignty problems was within the realm of possibility", in reply to which question Lord Ammon pointed out that this subject was outside the field to be covered by the Mission and it would not interfere".

2. The above extract from Ministry of Foreign Affairs' report had been quoted by the President of the Executive Yuan Chang Chun in the course of a comprehensive review of China's internal and foreign policy to Resident Committee of P.P.C. on October 18th. The passage in question was to the effect that whereas Portugal still refused the return of Macao, improvement of Sino British relations and change in Britain's Colonial policy offered the hope of such a rational solution regarding restitution of Hong Kong to China.

In the circumstances it would appear that other reporters present may have misquoted Lord Ammon's apparently non-commital reply to one of several awkward references to papers [gp. undec.] during [gp. undec.? Delegation's] tour.

Foreign Office please pass Hong Kong as my telegram No.307.

[Copies sent to Telegraph Section, Colonial Office, for repetition to Hong Kong, and advance copy sent to Mr. Scott, China Department.

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