CO129-571-16 New Territories 13-4-1938 - 12-12-1938 — Page 11

7.

you.

Secret

(two with absons,

for retention.

8. bol.

bol. desy

منة

a

Gov.

memo

lands.)

11.6.38

necessity

of

leased lands

3.p...

(the map refered to

Lane

11.6.38.

in 7

8.4.3

habbey

Cisl a very example at present.

I am inclined to think that the

Governor's despatch on the importance of the

leased territories of Hong Kong somewhat over-

states the case, important though the territories

undoubtedly are.

It may perhaps be most convenient to

deal with the Governor's arguments in the order

in which they come in the despatch and enclosure.

Para. 21 of despatch. It is no doubt

important that an urban area and its immediate

environs should be under a single control, but

I cannot think that it is absolutely essential.

Shanghai is a notable example of a large modern

city where control is divided.

Para. of despatch. It seems to me somewhat

arbitrary to say that the reversion of part of

the harbour area to China would preclude the

possibility of efficient administration, and the

fact that approach to the harbour could only be

made through Chinese waters or by air over

Chinese territory could presumably be met by an

agreement with the Chinese Government.

Para.4 of despatch. The interests of

British trade in the Far East are difficult to

estimate, but it seems to me an over-statement

to say that they are "vitally concerned" with

the continuance of British control in the leased

territory.