(F 7822/828/10). SECRET
FOREIGN OFFICE, S.W.1. 25th November, 1942.
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Dear Monson,
As you know, the Chinese Government have proposed that in the present treaty on extraterritoriality we should agree to terminate the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory of the 9th June 1898 (see Chungking telegram No. 1551 of the 14th November, paragraph 7). Sir Horace Seymour's comments are contained in his telegram No. 1564 of the 17th November.
The Chinese have not raised the question of Hong Kong but perhaps calculate that our rendition of the New Territory would make a useful step towards obliging us to give up sovereignty over Hong Kong and count on our receiving no support from the United States Government in resisting their proposal. We feel that regardless of what we may or may not think it desirable to do concerning Hong Kong after its recovery, the present proposal should be resisted and I send you herewith a draft telegram to Sir Horace Seymour containing instructions in this sense.
You will note that in order to sweeten the pill we have made use of the formula proposed in the Colonial Office memorandum contained in Lord Cranborne's letter
27 of the 18th August in connexion with Hong Kong (see B.5.). 504/42 This should also help to answer any United States
criticism.
Would you let me know whether you concur? If so we would propose to communicate our attitude to the United States Government for their information only.
I am writing similarly to Waldock, Admiralty, Dinwiddie, War Office, and Stowell, Air Ministry.
W.B.L. Monson, Esq.,
Colonial Office.
"Youre incerely arke Ashley
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