CO129-533-1A Leased Territories- boundary and development 22-1-1931 - 8-3-1932 — Page 11

No. 47

(P_53/53/10)

FOR IGN OFFICE, 8.5

1.

20th January, 1932.

sir,

I have received your despatch No. 1636 (3/127/B) of

the 5th November last commenting on Sir William Peel's

memorandum on the subject of Kowloon and the New Territory.

His Majesty's Government have no intention of

2.

taking any initiative in regard to the question of the Kowloon

lease but, in view of the certainty that the question will be

raised by the Chinese possibly in some extreme form - long

before the expiry of the lease, it was felt to be desirable,

as explained in Lord Roading's despatch N^\\, 764 of September 9th

last, to ascertain the real value to the Colony of the territory

in question.

3.

It is impossible to foresee what means will be

available to us, when the matter is thus brought to a head by

the Chinese and what means, short of force, will be most

effective, in whatever Chinese conditions obtain at that time,

to secure our object. I agree therefore that there is nothing

to be gained by pursuing the matter further at the present time.

I am, with great truth and regard,

sir,

Your obedient Servant,

(For the Secretary of State)

Sir Miles Lampson, K. C.M.O., C.B.,

etc.,

etc.,

Peking.

atc..