5383
38/56/40
Cur
CUFF FOR REGISTRA RECEIVED
28
134
30SEP 1940 C.O. R
CYPHER TELEGRAM
FROM
0.A.0.
HONG KONG.
D. 27th September, 1940. R. 27th
**
13.23 hrs.
No. 602
Addressed to S. of S. for the Colonies telegram
No. 602, of 27th September. Repeated to Shanghai No. 199 and Chung-King No. 135. ·
Your telegram No. 512. Chinese customa.
I
have now seen Foreign Office telegram No. 916 to
Before closure of Hong Kong Head Office is further considered I submit the following points.
23 shanghai.
A.
Existence of that office has not as yet been in any way embarrassment to this Government; on the contrary it is distinctly beneficial, see D. below.
B.
It will not be easy to explain to Chung-King Government why numerous institutions of that Government are freely allowed to function here while this one with its international character is forbidden.
C.
That international character appears to me to put the question beyond the scope of Hong Kong and even of British decision. Should not for example American reactions to proposed action be considered?
D›
Transfer of occupied stations on the frontier to Canton commissionership would be in accordance with realities and a complete answer to Japanese pretensions for representat- ion in Hong Kong. It is (group omitted) much trade going into China through unoccupied stations of Kowloon Commissioner and this trade is rapidly expanding. 0losure of Head Office and substitution of a new Head Office at some point across Mira Bay would very seriously obstruct such trade to the detriment of this colony.
As regards proposed appointment of Japanese liaison officer I am still of opinion delaying tactics are advisable. I have already informed Commissioner that this question is under consideration.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.