CO537-3702 — Page 5

會

I have prepared an alternative draft

marked B' on the basis of the above view, the

terms of which I have agreed with the Foreign Office.

►

Anything less than a clear and firm declaration of our intention to remain in Hong Kong is not likely to be of much help to us. As there is no possibility of Lord Listowel being authorised to make such a declaration, and in view of the points raised by the Foreign Office, I should be in favour of adopting the line they propose. That is to say, telegraphing as in draft 'B', which, if agreed here, can be sent off without further reference to the Foreign Office.

If it is desired to pursue the matter on the basis of Lord Listowel being authorised to say something on the two points, on the lines he proposes or otherwise, the matter will have to go up for Ministerial consideration in the Foreign Office. In this event, it would be convenient if I could let the Foreign Office know as soon as possible this afternoon, as there is not much time. They already have a copy of the original draft which I have marked 'A'

by marke

19.3.48.

"See, eg Sqo's

minute of 12.5.47 54145747.

An

we canest get to concurence

дав

ui

реций

flat negative about the messin of

the Colony ( and of Bevier has

consistity

ti

Иринов

ари

6

Kada

ao

berry politically

haritable ni present criccurstames) il

is clearly better hat Lord Liskürel old.

ири

ufre the drawn

Зайва в

7

with heese matters.

9.12622

19/3/48

4 Hong Kong Telito. 382 See.

To F.O. (y/o Searlet)

W/e(4) -Comps

30.3.08.

20.3.48.

Page 5Page 6