CO129-595-9 The British Military Administration of Hong Kong- report- 1946 11-7-1946 - 2-9-1946 — Page 103

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political stage or because the Hong Kong residents themselves

The former consider this question as irrelevant and unimportant. attitude, though in a way mistaken although the Independent Labour Party is not an influential political body, we cannot mis- judge the value of the question on account of the proposer remains to be a proper one from certain points of view. attitude does not feel the existence of the question at all and neither attitudes should be adopted.

still The latter

The

But so far

Since the United Nations had war with Japan, the question of whether Fong Kong should be handed back to China has existed. Every question has the supporting side and the objecting side. question of returning Hong Kong to China is no exception. no people, especially Hong Kong people, have expressed anything. Possibly all are busily engaged in rehabilitation work and have no time to look at another question. Possibly as a custom, people prefer to be silent. At any rate this, "Anywise" attitude, a bumpkin's would not benefit country's affairs but mar them. We try to think whether Hong Kong should be handed back to country is a real question and a personal question to the Hong Kong residents as well as Hong Kong Chinese, Hong Kong people only express a silent attitude then how

If democracy suspicions would be the world's political commentators.

is to be materialized, freedom of thought and freedom of discussion are not to be dispensed with. The resolution of the Independent Labour Party says "we request that the principles of the Atlantic Charter should be wholly applied to people of the Colonies who desire freedom". Hong Kong is a British colony, and the Independent Labour Party's suggestion above naturally suits this Colony. At present all seem to be unconcerned regarding this question. Nothing is heard in the street gossip and in the meeting of literary class. Under such conditions, suppose this question is to be settled by plebisdte, I wish to ask whether Hong Kong residents have made such preparations. I also wish to ask what will be the result under such unprepared conditions. Though this is a supposition, it can be seen that Hong Kong people, taking no heed of their own concern question, will get no good prospect from any side and any position.

Our highest and the Foreign Affairs authorities, after the Japanese surrender, repeatedly expressed and pointed out that China will seek proper diplomatic ways to settle this case. We trust our Govern- ment and believe that it was discussed at the five foreign ministers' meeting at London, though no solution was discovered. But it is a great error if we put all these things on the shoulder of the Govern- ment and Foreign Affairs thinking these are their responsibilities and we ourselves do not even discuss and pay attention.

Extract from the Sing Tao Jih Pao, 17.11.45.

Editorial: - The Question of Hong Kong.

It can still be recollected that the Pacific Charter was first drafted the question concerning Hong Kong was avoided. Chungking Newspapers then all discussed the matter. Ultimately Churchill made a speech that Hong Kong would still be possessed by Great Britain. Although the outcome of the proposal of the British Independent Labour Party that Hong Kong should be handed back immediately to China cannot be guessed at, but it gives a very good impression to the Hong Kong Overseas Chinese.

The ceding of Hong Kong was the result of the King Ning Treaty which was the first one amongst all unequal or unfair Treaties. Our Allies have known fully well that China's struggle against Japan was all for freedom, independence and liberation. On the other hand Great Britain has been credited with the developments and constructions of Hong Kong to make it one of greatest port in the world. Therefore the circumstances are such that China and Great Britaim should seek a suitable and logical solution diplomatically to the question of Hong Kong.

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