FO371-46251 — Page 33

Page 33

Page 33

Extract from Official Report of

8th November, 1944.

27

BRITISH EMPIRE (HONG KONG)

Mr. Astor asked the Prime Minister whether Hong

Kong or any other part of the Empire is excluded from

his declaration that it is not proposed to liquidate the

British Empire.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee): No part

of the British Empire or Commonwealth of Nations is

excluded from the scope of the declaration referred to.

Mr. Astor: While expressing great pleasure that

this declaration has come from the Leader of the Labour

Party, may I ask him whether all encouragement will

now be given to British firms to prepare plans for

re-establishing themselves in Hong Kong, and getting on

with British export trade in that area?

Mr. Attlee: That is obviously so.

Page 33

:

Page 33

Page 33