CO129-592-8 Future Policy in Hong Kong 1-1-1945 - 26-11-1945 — Page 152

TELEPHONE

TEMPLE BAR 2179.

14814

Pail4s.

Sir,

協中英

會華商

CHINA

AssociaTION.

55:

149121

507-510, CECIL CHAMBERS,

19

86, STRAND,

LONDON, W. C.2.

5-AFF

4th April, 1945.

It is unnecessary to stress to you the importance which is attached by the China Association to the retention of Hong Kong as

part of the British Empire. It would seem reasonable to expect that at the Conference soon to be held at San Francisco, following on the Yalta Conference, there will take place important discussions

in regard to the future of the Pacific area.

We have noted that in a reply on the 6th March to a Parliamentary Question by Colonel H.W. Burton, M.P., the Member for Sudbury, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs agreed that the status of British Colonies will not be altered without consultation with

such Colonies and the sanction of Parliament.

It would greatly relieve the anxiety of our Members if you could assure us that Mr. Eden's reply included Hong Kong and, further, that there is no intention on the part of His Majesty's Government that its delegates at San Francisco shall in any way compromise the full restoration of The Colony of Hong Kong as a part of the Empire.

We are, Sir,

Your obedient Servants,

The Secretary of State

THE CHINA ASSOCIATION,

for the Colonies.

1. Mason Acting Secretary.