TNAG-2790-FCO40-4029-Future-of-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 87

CODE RAD

Reference.

(871

'Mr Bunten HKD

HKC 0161

2

7.1993

ASTRY

GISTRY

HONG KONG: HANDOVER CEREMONY PRECEDENTS

1.

At Dr Hoare's suggestion, "I looked up the book by Pamela Atwell on the leased territory of Weihaiwei. It has a brief account of the rendition ceremonies. They were planned by the outgoing Commissioner Sir R Johnston himself and involved parades by full dress military guards accompanied by buglers and two bands, as well as the firing of two fifteen gun salutes and appropriate receptions for the Chinese and foreign dignitaries present. On the day of rendition (1 October 1930) the flags of Britain and China were flown together until sunset when a final salute was fired, the British flag was lowered and the keys to the yamen were handed over to the new staff. Numerous speeches were made including ones by the outgoing British Commissioner and by the incoming Chinese Commissioner. Full details of the ceremonies can be found in the file CO 521/76.

RF Wye

Far Eastern Section' Research & Analysis Dept OAB 2/125 210 6219/6216

8 September 1993

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