CO537-3706 — Page 124

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

182

Cypher/OTP

F.

nfidential.

No.190

27th February,1948.

POLITICAL DISTRIBUTION

FROM FOREIGN OFFICE TO NANKING

Repeated to Hong Kong.

MOST IMMEDIATE CONFIDENTIAL

D. 8.10 p.m. 27th February,1948.

Addressed to Nanking telegram No.190 of 27th February, repeated for information to Hong Kong.

My immediately preceding telegram.

Following is draft statement.

[Begins].

The Government of the Republic of China and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have been considering an amicable and reasonable settlement of the controversy which has recently arisen in connexion with the old city of Kowloon., Both Governments having throughout maintained their claims in good favour, consider the issue does not warrant a dispute between two peace-loving peoples with a long tradition of friendship.

2. With this in view the two Governments have mutually agreed that the area in which the old Walled City of Kowloon was situated should be converted into a Garden of Remembrance, to be dedicated in perpetuity to the sacred memory of the Allied nationals who lost their lives in the common cause against Japanese aggression. It has now also been agreed that safe-keeping and administration of this Garden of Remembrance should be entrusted under rules to be mutually agreed, to two trustees, respectively the Special Commissioner for Foreign Affairs (or Chinese Consul- General in Hong Kong) and Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong. Cost of construction and maintenance of the Garden of Remembrance as well as completion of memorial which may be erected symbolising the purpose connected with the Garden, will be jointly borne in equal proportions by the Government of China and Government of Hong Kong.

}

3.. It is hoped that the inspiration of this sacred trust will ensure its undisturbed peace and tranquillity and that the spirit of remembrance to which the garden is dedicated will be perpetuated.

faith

[Ends].

QQQQ

2