at the end of it seems to us to represent the
position correctly.
If the Japanese do start exercising
belligerent rights we may be placed in a very
awkward position. We may either have to face
the probability of very great interference with
the trade of Hong Kong through the interception
of ships going to it and through the cutting of
the Canton-Kowloon Railway, or in our efforts to
avoid this be forced to prohibit the export
of contraband from Hong Kong and thereby risk
alienating the good will of China on which the
prosperity of Hong Kong ultimately depends. The
only thing which may save us from this awkward
dilemma is the reluctance of the Japanese to
take any action which will be embarrassing to
His Majesty's Government. How much this is
worth I do not know, by all accounts a certain
amount at present, but would it necessarily
override all other considerations in the future?
In
251
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.