HONG KONG

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 269, 24 August 1945, Page 3

HONG KONG

QUESTION OF CONTROL. BRITISH WILL ACCEPT SURRENDER. . (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 10.30) CHUNGKING, Aug. 23. Major-General A. C. Wedemeyer stated that the British and Chinese Governments were negotiating as to whoso forces shall occupy Hong Kong and accept the Japanese surrender. General Wedemeyer has ordered United States forces in China not to fraternise with the Japanese. He added that all contacts must be official, courteous, impersonal and firm. Arrangements are being made for a British commander to receive the surrender of Hong Kong, said Mr Attlee, in the House of Commons, in reply to a question by Mr Churchill. The House cheered when Mr Attlee added that plans for the re-establish-ment of British administration in Hong Kong were fully prepared. Mr Churchill said: “May I presume that you recall that on numerous occasions, particularly at the Cairo Conference in 1943, the Government made it plain that it did not contemplate any modification in the sovereignty of his Majesty’s territories in the Far East.” '■ Mr Attlee said: “I fully recollect the statements, and will bear them in mind.” The Press Association’s diplomatic correspondent says the Hong Kong area is in the sphere of Chinese military operations, but the British Government feel that it is their paramount responsibility to care for the population of their own territory. Dr. T. V. Soong, who is flying to London early next week, has not given notice that he will raise the'question of Hong Kong.