CO537-3707 — Page 252

FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1.

2nd April 1948.

218

(F 4851/154/10)

VFIDENTIAL.

Dear Mayle

In connexion with the brief we are preparing for submission to the Law Officers regarding the question

of jurisdiction over Kowloon City, our Legal Advisers feel that we ought to give the Law Officers the present- day views of the Service Departments as to whether or not the exercise of such jurisdiction by the Chinese would still be inconsistent with the defence requirements of Hong Kong. They have discussed the point with Sir Sidney Abrahams who is disposed to agree with

this view. Since I am sure you will feel that it would be more appropriate for this point relating to the defence of Hong Kong to be taken up with the Service Departments by you rather than by us I am writing to ask you if you would kindly raise it as a matter of some urgency.

What we would like to have is a letter from each of the Service Departments giving their views on the question and the reasons for them.

your sincerely A.L. Scott (in the absence of Mr

N. L. Mayle, Esq.,

Colonial Office.

Scarlett)