FO371-46257 — Page 167

Page 167

Page 167

Page 167

149

3712

FOREIGN OFFICE, S. W 1.

F 8942/1147/10

Dear Paskin,

22nd December 1945.

|

Ic for of

Before he left for Moscow, Sterndale Bennett asked me to raise with you Far Eastern Civil Planning Unit paper Gen 77/47 of October 23rd 1945 on the subject of the status of Hongkong. I enclose a copy of this paper for convenience of reference.

We are not too happy about paragraph 10 which, I believe, represents an argument put forward by the Colonial óffice in support of possibility 9(a), i.e. that Britain should make no concessions to Chinese claims. We feel here that it is an argument of doubtful validity and that, in putting this matter to the Cabinet, a better and more convincing case could be made for a policy of "no concessions" if it were based on the considerations advanced in paragraph 8(a), 1.e. the fact that Hongkong is a British creation, and we see no reason to yield anything of the fruits of our labour and enterprise.

I suggest for your consideration the following purely tentative draft alternative to paragraph 10.

"In support of the contention that Britain should make no concessions in this matter it might be argued that Hongkong is a British creation, that Britain has poured men, money and materials into the building up of this colony from practically nothing into one of the most flourishing sea ports and trading centres of the world, and that we see no reason to yield in any way to Chinese demands in respect of a territory which owes its present wealth and prosperity almost entirely to British enterprise, finance and good government."

I should be grateful for your views on this as

J. J. Paskin Esq., C. M. O.,

soon/

Page 167

Page 167