CO129-471 - Public Offices - 1921 — Page 60

82

*

59

Hongkong, is open to grave objection.

In bringing the above considerations to four Lord- ship's notice 1 m far from swpesting that it would be advisable to presod with the negotiations in face of the olearly expressed desire of the liong kong, Government to

withdraw from thes. The proponed Convention primarily con-

corna Sony kong: the acheme originated in that Colony, and vintover opinion may be held as to its ultimate importance

to British commercial interests thrournout China there is

no evidence sa yet of any strong and widespread feeling in ita favour amongst British merchants in this country such as might justify an endeavour to induce the Colonial uffice to modify its present attitude. Hy only object is to place

on record a plain statement of the case in so far as it has

been dealt with in Peking, and to wike it apparent that the

responsibility for the sudden cessation of the negotiations

with the Chinese Government at the moment when a definite

understanding had at length been arrived at does not rest

with this Lagntion.

I bara not considered it advisable to notify the

Chinese Government formally of the Hongkong Government'e

decision, and, subject to Your Lordship's approval, I do

not propose to do so unless a direct enquiry on the subject

should be addressed to me by the Vai Chino Pu.

I have the honour to be,

with the highest respect,

ly Lord.

Your Lordship'a most obedient,

kushle servant,

(sd) B. Alston.

Page 60Page 61