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HONG KONG (BRITISH ADMINISTRATION)
Mr. Churchill (by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government are taking action to restore the British Administration in Hong Kong as soon as they receive the Japanese sur- render in the Colony.
The Prime Minister: Yes, Sir.
Sir. As stated by the Foreign Secretary on Monday, arrangements are being made for the Japanese surrender in Hong Kong to be accepted by a British Force Com- mander. Plans for re-establishing British Administration in the Colony are fully prepared.
Mr. Churchill: While expressing grati- fication at the answer of the Prime Minis- ter, may I presume that my right hon. Friend recalls that on numerous occasions, and particularly at the Cairo Conference in 1943, His Majesty's Government have made it plain that they do not contem- plate any modification in the sovereignty of His Majesty's territories in the Far East?
The Prime Minister: Yes, Sir. I have a very full recollection of those state- ments, and I will bear them in mind.
Mr. Maxton: When the right hon. Gen- tleman considers these questions, when he is restoring British civilian Govern- ment in Hong Kong, will he bear in mind that the high civil servants who formed a large proportion of the administration there before the Japanese occupation have been imprisoned, and that they will not be expected to resume duty without having a period of rest and relaxation?
The Prime Minister: Certainly; I have no doubt that every attention will be given to them. Perhaps the hon. Gentle- man will put a Question on this particular point to my right hon. Friend the Secre- tary of State for the Colonies.
Mr. Gallacher: In view of the speech made by the Leader of the Opposition last week can we take it for granted that this question will not be settled with the atomic bomb in the background?
23 AUG 1945
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