CO129-590-3 Entry of Chinese into Hong Kong 9-1-1941 - 7-11-1941 — Page 37

No 360 of 24

July

Extract from telegram from Chungking to

Foreign Office dated 24th July, 1941.

37

41

1.

of State.

Burma telegram Camp. No. 122 to Secretary

We must be prepared for very strong

reactions from the Chinese if the Governor's proposal for the immediate issue of an immigration ordinance proceeds. They will realize at once that the measure is primarily directed against them. Their pride will be offended, they will feel the inatter is one in which they should at least have been consulted in advance. Feeling is already running

high against Burma passport regulations which are widely held to cause undue delay and difficulty to Chinese trade and interests. In my despatch 37, 2nd June to the Governor, I transmitted memorandum containing official representations to the Chinese Government in this sense and making concrete proposals for improvement. This memorandum has not yet been answered. Finally, the unhappy example of Hong Kong is fresh in Chinese minds. introduction there of immigration regulations without adequate preparation and without full discussion with the Chinese Government, the muddle and inconvenience which ensued and the subsequent withdrawal of visa requirements for the Chinese

The

caused the worst possible impression and did real harm to our relations here.