CO129-469 - Governor Sir Stubbs - 1921 [9-12] — Page 439

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Su Restarts Corums Catta h Sh 3 Mustarons with

dated 27-16-21

431

MINUTES.

MINUTES NOT TO BE WRITTEN

ON THIS SIDE.

Mtuned k ru Recoton

2871

நிonத Rang

Government house.

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I was not asked to express any „pinion on the question of the retallu-

ion of weihalwel and accordingly refrained from doing so in my report, though I think that it must have been clear to anyonean- ing between the lines that my own opinion is that it should be given back to China, rather I khould say that it should have been given

back. If we had returned it to uühine the moment the war was over, should have gained a great advertisement and much popularity, as

apparently being ready to make a sacrifice in the interests of the comity of natione, self-determination, the open door Ec. Now, is we give it up we only sain the advantage of being rid of a burden.

For I donot believe that it can ever be anything else, Commercially, I should say it was hopeless, I do not overlook your point that HongKong was at first regarded as a worthless possession. I have said all that there is to be said on the aubject in the shapter on Weihaiwei an Lucas' Historical Geography. But the case

are not really parallel. I am by no means sure that, if we had to

stablish Hongkong now, it would be a success. It will, I think, retain its prosperity because it has an established position and any new rival would have to fight against this, but if it were to be done

fresh, it is not at all impossible that a new port at whampos

jould be able to cut it out. Such a port would be a very costly

ndertaking aɛit would mean a tremendous lot of dredging in the river

put good authorities consider it possible. Nobody is likely to do it

How as a fight with the established interesta of Hongkong would be

phill and difficult but if the two were to start on an equal footing it is quite likely that Whampoa would win.

aihaiwel on two other hand would have to be made almost from the

ginning. I do not think that it iẻ naturally a particularly good

arbour for commercial purposes and enormous expenditure would be

quired to make it a big shipping centre. This might be worth while

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