CO129-503-2 Tenure of new territories in view of Chinese situation 19-1-1927 - 8-8-1928 — Page 27

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Paraphrase telegram from the Governor of Hongkong tọ

the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Dated 19th January 1927

(Received Colonial Office 6.30 a.m. 19th January 1927)

The existing situation in regard to our tenure of the

New Territories (in which connection I would refer to

my Secret despatch of the 19th January 1926) is

unsatisfactory in the extreme.

Having regard to (1) the agitation all over China

for the handing back of all leased territories and

concessions and (2) the fact that the handing back of

the New Territories would be fatal to this Colony it is

of great importance that the area held on lease should

be made a permanent part of the Colony as soon as

possible.

Would it be possible (since the Treaty for rendition

of Weihaiwei has not yet been concluded) to come to an

arrangement for the cession of the New Territories to

Great Britain to be a quid pro quo for the unconditional

rendition of Weihaiwei?

Aliter, would it be possible for the very generous

Treaty revision at present under contemplation by His

Majesty's Government, to be treated as a quid pro quo

for the cession of the leased area?

I strongly urge that in the event our having to

take warlike action against the South the resumption of

friendly relations should be made contingent on the

cession of the leased area.

This telegram is addressed to Mr. Amery and

repeated to Peking (No.4.)