[This Document is the Property of His Britannic Majesty's Government, and should be returned to the Foreign Office if not required for official use.]
168
To CHINA.
Cypher telegram to Mr. Greenway (Shanghai).
Foreign Office.
No. 294.
1st April, 1958.
7.30 p.m.
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Your telegram to Mission No. 212 [of March 12th:
Preparation to destroy Canton-Kowloon Railway].
In the last resort Chinese are not likely to refrain from destruction of railway in deference to our financial interests and we cannot well deny their right to take necessary defensive measures. Sce my telegram No. 102 [of January 28th, re
Shanghai-Hang chow-Ningpo Railway).
The
Losses may however be reduced by making timely arrangements for saving the rolling stock and other movable property. Chinese may intend to move these further up the Hankow Railway but they might prefer to transfer some to Kowloon. If so, the Secretary of State for the Colonies agrees that, subject to your views and those of the Governor of Hongkong, suitable arrangements should be discussed by His Majesty's Consul- General at Canton with the local Chinese authorities. The Consul-General should keep in close consultation with the Governor and the General Manager of the Railway at Hongkong in formulating proposals.
If you concur, please take the necessary action. Repeated to Hankow No. 34, Canton No. 6 and Hongkong
unnumbered.
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