CO537-3707 — Page 126

From : H.L. Laurence-Wilson.

Tel. No.: Whitehall 7000

Ext.522

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE,

277

GREAT GEORGE STREET,

Storey's Gate, s.w.l

10th August, 1948.

(275)

Dear Wallace,

I am writing in confirmation of my telephone message of the 7th August about Kowloon City.

The Chiefs of Staff have considered the draft telegram to the Governor of Hong Kong which you enclosed with your letter of the 3rd August. They feel that it would not be appropriate for them to comment on the draft since it is no more than an exchange of views between the Colonial Office and the Governor of Hong Kong.

As far as their own view of the problem of Kowloon is concerned however, they would consider it unsatisfactory on military grounds if any solution is found which does not leave the Walled City under full British jurisdiction.

W.I.J. Wallace, Esq.,

Colonial Office,

Yours sincerely,

H. J. Jaunene

The Church House,

Great Smith Street,

LONDON, S.W.1.