CO129-540-13 Proposal by Chinese Government to establish vice-consulate in Hong Kong 6-6-1932 - 30-12-1932 — Page 95

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In this connexion reference was made to difficulties

which had occurred over the appointment of a Chinese

telegraph superintendent at Hongkong and the importance

was stressed of avoiding in such a place as Hongkong

anything in the nature of political activity, e.g.

connected with the Kuomintang. Mr. Tan did not appear to

demur to these observations.

4.

5.

Mr. Tan stated that in the absence of a Consulate

his Government would much prefer the arrangement described

above. If, however, it was not acceptable he enquired

whether the Chinese Chamber of Commerce could carry out

the necessary functions or failing this, in the last

resort, whether the Government of Hongkong would be

prepared to recommend some "eminent" Chinese, who might be

appointed by the Chinese Government to do the necessary work.

The Chinese Government have apparently abandoned the

idea of pressing for the appointment of a Chinese consular

official at Hongkong and appear to be purely concerned with

making the necessary arrangements for bringing the

consular invoice system into effective operation as soon

as possible. It will no doubt be easier to maintain

opposition to the appointment of a Chinese consular officer

in Hongkong if objection is not raised to the appointment

of an official with limited duties and Sir John Simon,

therefore, hopes that, without prejudice to the general

objections entertained by His Majesty's Government to the

introduction of the consular invoice system, Secretary

Sir P. Cunliffe-Lister will find the proposed appointment

of a special delegate acceptable.

Sir John Simon would

propose