FO371-24687 — Page 271

F 1741/177/10.

sir,

OUT FILE

S.F.1.

182

16th March, 1940.

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With reference to Colonial Office letter

No. 53838/35/40 of the 29th February, I am directed by

Viscount Halifax to enclose a copy of a telegram from His

Majesty's Ambassador at Tokyo on the subject of the release

and repatriation of the Chinese soldiers interned at Hong Kong.

2.

In view of the present delicate state of Anglo-

Japanese relations, Lord Halifax agrees with Sir Robert

Craigie that it would be inopportune to release the prisoners

at the present time. hile fully appreciating the

difficulties caused to the Government of Hong Kong by the

Fresence of these prisoners in the colony, he would therefore

suggest that consideration of this question should be

deferred for the moment.

I am,

sir,

Your bedient Servant,

The Under-Secretary of State,

Colonial office.

(Sd.) R. G. HOWE

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