CO537-3705 — Page 254

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fir Orme fagenti discussion with Chiren Ambassador (meponent 14/1 - see

In Magle's muniste f 14/1))

+(14)

We appreciate the interest of the Chinese Government in the welfare of Chinese subjects in the Colony of Hongkong. Our reports show, however, that large numbers of police were not ased on this occasion, nor were large numbers of people injured. On January 12th, when returning to Kowloon, the police met with resist- ance outside the walled city from a crowd of more than one hundred persons. Several of the police were hit by stones. To disperse this crowd, it Was necessary to fire warning shots and to use tear gas.

Only six people were injured, five were minor casualties and one man was wounded in the abdomen, probably from a ricochet. The condition of this last is reported to be fair.

2. It appears that indignation in China has been roused by tendentious reports. The Governor's decision to clear the area was a normal adınini. strative measure taken as a precaution against the threat of fire and disease. Alternative sites were offered. It was open to the squatters to remove their huts to these sites. Had they done evictions would not have been necessary.

So,

3. His Majesty's Ambassador, Nanking, has, of course, kept His Majesty's Government and the Governor of Hongkong informed of the various representations made by the Chinese Goverment. The Chinese Ambassador may be assured that Sir A. Gratham will see that the representations of the Chinese Government are fully borne in mind in any further action which may be necessary to take in connexion with these squatters.

14th January, 1948.