CO129-588-23 China- British extra-territorial rights- negotiations with China 28-3-1942 - 27-11-1942 — Page 117

d

Ref: F.O. helter F1204/828/10.

of

Oct

Colonial Office

Office 68

[This Document is the Property of Hannic Majesty's Government, and kept

With the Complimenta

of tinder Lock and Key.]

Under Secretary of State

[CODE (R)] for Forgian AffairDISTRIBUTION:

F186/828/10.

5 NOV 1942

FROM: CHINA

1..

FROM CHUNGKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

117

Sir H. Seymour

R.

D. 12.00 a.. 9.05 p.ll.

21st October, 1942 21st October, 1942

No. 1444

21st October, 1942

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RECEIVED

My telegram No. 1429.

Editorial in leading Chinese newspaper Takungpao of October 19th discusses in friendly spirit probable contents of proposed new treaties and question what is meant by the abolition of extra-territorial and related questions. It is urged that all rights and interests not in keeping with the principles of equality in International Law should be eliminated. Editorial proceeds to list privileges which still remain to be abolished including Consular juris- diction of concessions, leased territories, such as Kowloon, military and other rights under the 1901 protocol, Whangpoo and Peiho river conservancy, arrangements for coastal and inland navigation, rights of foreign warships in Chinese waters, foreign commitments in customs, rights of missionaries, unilateral most favoured nation privileges etc. Referring to reply to Parliamentary Question of October 14th, which is alleged to have aroused much speculation it is admitted that cession of Hong Kong is a different matter and one which can be dealt with separately. It is, however, assumed that Mr. Law's reply indicated readiness to give up all other privileges including Kowloon. Article goes on to urge that transitional arrangements are unnecessary and that abolition of unequal treaties must be finally and completely [? group onitted: ? settled].