CO537-3707 — Page 235

IMMEDIATE

SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM

228

DESPATCHED BY O.T.P.

044818

OZ

929

TOO

161725Z

TOD

1618152

FROM:MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, LONDON.

TO: G.H.Q. FAR EAST LAND FORCES.

COSSEA 646

16th April, 1948.

1.

For Commanders in Chief from Chiefs of Staff.

We have been asked for views as a matter of urgency on the military implications of permitting the Chinese to exercise jurisdication in Kowloon City.

This request arises from a further representation by the Chinese as result of recent incidents there.

2, We understand that in 1934 it was decided in London that the exercise of Chinese jurisdiction in Kowloon City would be inconsistent with military requirements for defence of Hong Kong and that later, in 1937, this view was given orally to the Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs by H.M. Ambassador, Nanking.

3. We would be glad to receive your opinion if under present conditions it would be inconsistent with the military requirements for the defence of Hong Kong to accede to the Chinese request. You will no doubt wish to consult the Hong Kong Defence Committee but we would hope to receive your views as urgently as possible.

CIRCULATION

D.C.O.R.

Foreign Office.

First Sca Lord.

Message Control, War Office.

Registry Telegrams, Air Ministry. Chief of Combined Operations Staff.

War Office Distribution by M.0.2

C.I.G.S.

V.C.I.G. S.

D.1.0.

D. Plans

D.D.M.Ó.(A)(B)

Lt. Col. Lowe (c/ɔ M.0.1)

M.0.1, 2.

D.M.I.

D.D.M.I.(I)

M.I.1(c), 2.

Colonial Office (for Lt. Col Liesching.)

A.G.

Q.M.G.

TOO 1617252

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