CO129-529-5 China- extraterritoriality 23-11-1931 - 31-12-1931 — Page 255

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as British subjects (or British-protected persons) in China, and accordingly entitled both to extraterritoriality privileges and to the ordinary rights of British subjects abroad. It appears to Mr Thomas that there are considerable advantages in keeping these two subjects separate and

that it might in fact be definitely disadvantageous to link them together. If this were done, the Chinese Government might claim that any special arrangements concluded in connection with the Anglo-Chinese should terminate with extraterritoriality, whereas this problem will continue as long as there are persons of Chinese race enjoying British nationality or the status of British-protected

person.

3.

If the Marquess of Reading agrees Mr Thomas would propose to explain accordingly to Sir Cecil Clementi.

I am,

sir.

Your most obedient servant,

32/