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CHINA

PAPER E

No. 4

(Copied from Hong Kong Telegram, No. 65 of 17th January, 1948)

Mr. T. W. Kwok, Commissioner for Kwangtung and Kwangsi, Chinese Ministry for Foreign Affairs, to Governor of Hong Kong

13th January.

Since the issue by Hong Kong authorities of a notice last November regarding demolition of structures within Kowloon Walled City, I have called on Your Excellency on 29th November, 2nd December, 17th December and 23rd December, 1947, and on each occasion reminded Your Excellency that on the basis of the Peking Convention 1898 the Chinese Government have never waived jurisdiction over Kowloon Walled City, and that in a statement issued in September 1946, both by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and by this office, the stand of the Chinese Government regarding this matter has been clearly defined. At the same time, on more than one occasion during the above-mentioned interviews, I have stated that the Chinese Government attach importance to the maintenance and furthering of the existing friendly relationship between the British and Chinese and also between the Hong Kong Government and Chinese residents here and that we invite the Hong Kong Government to adopt the same view. I also stated that it would be sagacious for the Hong Kong Government not to pursue any forcible measures which may affect an amicable settlement of this issue.

Notwithstanding my representations, in the early hours of 5th January, 1948, armed Hong Kong police suddenly marched into Kowloon Walled City, forcibly demolished structures there and arrested two of the residents. No provision was made by the Hong Kong Government for necessary relief. Following this incident, I have again called on Your Excellency on 7th January, 1948, lodged a strong protest against this action, reserved all rights to claims for indemnities 1 and demanded :---

(1) that the Hong Kong Government assumes full responsibility for the

forcible demolition of the structures within Kowloon Walled City; (2) that the Hong Kong Government provides immediate relief for the

homeless even from humanitarian point of view;

(3) that the Hong Kong Government effects an immediate release of the two

residents arrested, namely, Chu Pui-Tong and Lau Ngai-Fu; and (4) that the Hong Kong Government restores as an initial step those

structures which were on land substantiated by deed.

On 10th January, 1948, on the occasion of a further interview with Your Excellency I pressed for the release of the two residents under arrest, and stated that, to avoid further aggravating the situation; no forcible measures in any form be pursued by the Hong Kong Government.

On 12th January, 1948, once again armed Hong Kong police marched into Kowloon Walled City, opened fire on the residents, threw tear gas bombs, pulled down all shelters and left behind casualties. The responsibility for inhumanity and disregard of friendship and treaty obligations as displayed on this occasion must be borne by the Hong Kong Government.

I hereby lodge with Your Excellency a strong protest against the action of the Hong Kong police on 12th January, 1948, and I request that, pending settlement of this issue between the two Governments, the Hong Kong Government refrains from further police action in Kowloon Walled City.

I am to state that the Chinese Government refuse to recognise as legal any measures taken by the Hong Kong Government in contravention of the Peking Convention 1898.

(Copied from Hong Kong Telegram, No. 65 of 17th January, 1948)

From Governor of Hong Kong to Mr. Kwok

16th January.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 37/086 of 13th January, 1948, on the subject of Kowloon City squatters, and in reply to inform you that I reject your contention that the Government of Hong Kong has in any way acted in contravention of the Peking Convention 1898.

2. On the occasion of interviews to which you refer in opening paragraph of your letter, you will recall that I made it clear that if a different interpretation was put on that Convention by the Government of China, the matter was one for