FO371-46259 — Page 107

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NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN

THIS MARGIN.

Minutes.

95

Mr. Keswick's notes on Hongkong.

The proposed change of name is a good idea but it would have to be accompanied by a change of character as well. Mr. Keswick's proposals for this (para. 4 (c)) are challenging, but I should doubt if they are constitutionally practicable. A danger of suffrage in Hongkong is that 98% of the population are Chinese, and before we knew where we were we should find Hongkong voted into incorporation with China unless the Governor were given veto powers to provide against this. A solution might be to have a council half selected and half elected, with the proportion of the latter gradually increasing.

I agree with para. 4 (d). Chinese are at present not allowed to own property on the Peak There are doubtless other forms of discrimin- ation.

As for the New Territories, Chiang Kai-shek made it plain in his speech of August 24th that China would goon ask us to hand these back. Whether we should wait for this, or axxskxx ourselves make the offer ( subject to safeguards about water supply, sirfields, etc) is e atten of policy and expedi-ncy largely for the Colonial Office to decide.

On the question of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, I am in entire agreement with Mr. Keswick's suggestion that the Colonial Government should concern itself x more with external (i.e. China) affairs. I also agree that a Foreign Service officer with China experience should be appointed to serve in Hongkong for this purpose. I feel however that such an officer should have XİNÒEX a status independent of the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, i.e. that instead of there being a Secretary for Chinese and External Affairs, to whose department the Embassy representative would be attached, there should be a Secretary for Chinese Affairs and a Secretary for External Affairs, the latter

a Foreign Service Officer, who would be respon- sible direct to the Governor and also to the Ambassador, reporting to and corresponding with each as the occasion required.

IV. Kitim

November 30th, 1945.

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