FO371-35824 — Page 34

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(F 4541/138/G).

FOREIGN OFFICE, 3.W.1.

6th September, 1943.

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23

Dear Paskin,

As Ashley Clarke is away on leave, I am answering your letter 55104/2/43 of the 27th August, proposing a meeting to discuss the future of Hong Kong.

I am afraid that there would be little point in our attending a meeting of the kind proposed, as we should be unable to make any addition to the official view-point as set out in paragraph 2 of your letter. If, on the other hand, the other recipients of your letter feel that they would like to come, we should of course be prepared to send someone in the capacity of observer.

As regards the China Association's letter, referred to in the penul imate paragraph of your letter under reference, we do not feel that there is anything that we can usefully add.

I am sending a copy of this letter to Waldock (Admiralty), Lieutenant-Colonel williams (War Office), Oribbett (Air Ministry), Slade (Ministry of war Transport) and Fraser (Board of Trade).

Yours sincerely,

(d) (G.P. Young)

j.J. Paskin, Esq., M.C.,

Colonial Office.

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