54145
53
EXTRACT FROM TELEGRAM FROM WASHINGTON TO FOREIGN
OFFICE DATED 26th AUGUST. 1945.
X
Brequese refusteran (57) on 14812/2/3/45
Hong Kong.
78
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7. The future of Hong Kong has sprung dramatically into the headlines and there has been much loose talk of the Chinese and ourselves racing to get there first. Whilst opinion is divided, the firm statements by the Prime Minister and yourself have undoubtedly given friendly papers a lead, and several of them have taken the trouble to explain and defend the legality of our position (Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Springfield Republican). At the same time the President has refused to be drawn on the subject and has referred questioners to the State Department who have been indicating that the United States Government in no wise questions our sovereignty and feels that the future of Hong Kong is a matter for the Chinese and ourselves to settle. It looks as though the present administration feels less strongly about changing the status of Hong Kong and other Imperial possessions than President Roosevelt is alleged to have done. America's acquisitive mood towards the Pacific has in any case undercut much of the earlier criticism.
8. It would seem mistaken however to count on uniform sympathy for an unqualified and permanent return to the status quo. As a result of the American- Chinese honeymoon period and of President Roosevelt's reported pleas to Mr. Churchill on behalf of
Chiang Kai-shek, Hong Kong has become a symbol to Americans of an out-dated era in the Pacific.
The
Chicago Daily News undoubtedly speaks for a considerable
segment/
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