TNAG-1243-FCO40-1557-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 32

HANKOW NEGOTIATIONS-KIUKIANG AGREEMENT, Ch. XVII

consider and discuss the terms outlined as a basis of a comprehensive and reasoned settlement of the existing differences between Nationalist China and the British, provided, inter alia, that the discussion and negotiation took place in an atmos- phere free from intimidation necessarily involved in the concentration by the British of fighting forces.

"But the continued concentration of the British forces referred to as the 'Chinese Expeditionary Force,'* as well as certain military information relating to the British plan of war operations, in China, which has now come to the knowledge of the Nationalist Government, make it impossible for the. Nationalist Government to continue to view the British concentrations at Shanghai except as an act of coercion directed against Chinese Nationalism.

"To sign any agreement in these circumstances would be tantamount to signing under duress of force. No agreement so signed could be real and effec- tive. The Nationalist Government must perforce await the ending of this period of duress before authorizing the signing of an agreement which shall settle the status of a portion of Chinese territory known as the British Concession at Han- kow. This period could be ended immediately or at any time by the British Government re-envisaging the effect on the Nationalist mind of the present concentration of their Military and Naval forces at Shanghai."

After a brief delay negotiations were resumed, when the further objection was raised that the British Government was negotiating on similar lines with the Peking Government.

The Notes, &c., signed on Feb. 19 and March 2, follow:

THE KIUKIANG AGREEMENT.

The agreement between Mr. O'Malley, representing His Majesty's Government, and Mr. Eugene Chen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Nationalist Government, with regard to the British Concession at Kuikiang, was formally concluded by notes exchanged on March 2nd.

Following are the notes which have been exchanged between Mr. Chen and Mr. O'Malley :-

:-

BRITISH NOTE.

March 2, 1927.

Sir,

As a result of further discussion between us on the subject of the execution of the Agreement relative to the British Concession at Kiukiang concluded en February 20th last and in settlement of the question of the future status of the concession area at Kiu- kiang, I have the honour to inform you that His Majesty's Government will cancel the British Municipal Regulations and hand over unconditionally the administration of the concession area at Kiukiang to the Nationalist Government, as from March. 15 next.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant.

Mr. Chen Yu-jen,

(for H. B. M. Minister)

(Signed) OWEN O'MALLEY.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Wuhan.

*The official title was the "Shanghai Defence Force."

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