Nanking telegram No.333 to F.0.
2
trying to pacify Kowloon sympathisers of the squatters.
(a) It was therefore hoped that His Majesty's Gov crn- ment would forthwith reach decision on formula for settle- ment suggested to me by Minister for Foreign Affairs on March 3rd (see my telegrams Nos. 229 and 231).
3. In subsequent conversation Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs indicated that in respect of (a) inister for Foreign Affairs preferred original proposal or site for Chinese Special Representative's offices and residence. With regard to (c) it appears from Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs' explanation that the investigation had not (repeat not) actually asked for statements of claims from British persons concerned but had merely submitted their own estimates. (So much for the alleged careful check). Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs also attempted to argue that the Chinese Government were not (repeat not) in fact making settlement to their satisfaction [?gp. omitted] Kowloon incident a condition for payment of compensation for Canton damages but pretended that the popular feeling would not accept the latter without the former in which respect he alleged the Minister for Foreign Affairs was already under fire at [gps. undec.].
4. Despite Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs' denials it is evident that the Chinese Government are trying to link the two cases together es was considered likely in paragraph 3 of my telegram No.155 [gp. undec. ?February 12th]. While we should formally record our disagreement with this implied contention it is clear that until ɛ settlement of the Kowloon City issue is reached we shall continue to be faced with such obstructive tectics. It may therefore be expedient to try and resume discussions on that issue in which regard I aintain my opinion that proposal for compound for Chinese Representative would afford best basis for a settlement.
5. In any case subject to your approval I consider we should record a formal objection to the attempt to dis- clein responsibility on the part of the Chinese Government for Canton destruction (see second paragraph (c) above) and it might be more effective in doing so to present a claim if only in approximate figures at the same time.
Foreign Office pass to Hong Kong as my telegram No.142. [Copy sent to Telegraph Section Colonial Office for repetition to Hong Kong].
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