CO537-3706 — Page 212

DRAFT ANNOUNCEMENT REGARD

TOON SETTLEMENT

1. The Chinese and British Governments deplore the

incidents which have arisen in the past in consequence

of the existence within the Colony of Hong Kong of an

area covering approximately 6 acres, known as the

"Walled City of Kowloon", to which the Chinese

Government claim jurisdiction under the 1998 Convention.

2. Having carefully considered the matter, with

an earnest desire to remove this potential danger to

the friendly relations which exist between the two

Governments and the two peoples, they have come to the

conclusion that no more fitting solution could be

found than the conversion of the area into a

Garden of Remembrance, dedicated to those who gave

their lives in the recent war against the Japanese.

3. They have accordingly agreed that the

necessary steps should be taken as soon as possible

to put this plan into effect. The cost of the

Gardon will be met by the Chinese and Hong Kong

Governmants and its care and maintenance will be

entrusted to a Committee of Custodians consisting

of an equal number of nominees appointed by each of

the two Governments, with the maintenance of law and

order, and sanitation being carried out by the

appropriate Hong Kong authorities, in consultation

with the Committee of Custodians,

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Both Governments feel that with the area

devoted to the above high purpose, there should be no

possibility of any serious question of jurisdiction

arising. This being so, the two Governments agree that

the question of jurisdiction need not be pursued.

Colonial Office,

13th February, 1948.