CO537-3711 — Page 107

to withdrav. Since the establishment of the Republic the

(Chinese) Government has not stationed officials there.

But the withdrawal of the Hanchu officials and the fact

that no officials have been stationed ther since the

Republic cannot alter the meaning of the Convention at the

time it was concluded; still less can rights reserved by the

Convention be cancelled. Since in accordance with the Con-

vention the city of Kowloon remains under the jurisdiction

of Chinese officials, then Chinese persons living within

the City naturally have the right to reside freely there.

The present order of the Hongkong Goverɛment o nstraining

residents within the city to remove in a body conflicts both

with the explicit text of the Convention and the original

intention at the time of its conclusion. Moreover, the re-

lations between China and Great Britain having always been

so friendly, it would scarcely appear expedient to stir up

a treaty dispute-in addition to causing suffering to many

citizens simply for the sake of constructing a public

park.

In calling Your Excellency's attention to the above,

I trust that Your Excellency will as soon as possible request

the Hong Kong Government to cancel their determination to

order persons residing within the city of Kowloon to remove,

The favour of a reply is requested. I avail myself

of this opportunity of renewing to Your Excellency the

assurance of my highest consideration.

(SGD) LO WEN-KAN

BAL OF MINISTRY OF PURSIGN AFFAIRS.