HONGKONG

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 200, 24 August 1945, Page 4

HONGKONG

TT was a very important question that Mr. Churchill asked in the House * of Commons concerning Hongkong, and the significance of Mr. Attlee's answer will be recognised in British and non-British countries alike. There had been a report from Washington that the " question" of Hongkong would be discussed at the meeting of Foreign Ministers in London. Of this, the Foreign Office said it had no previous knowledge. There had also been reports that the Japanese surrender in Hongkong would be received by a Chinese general, and the area occupied by Chinese troops. Mr. Attlee, without referring directly to these statements, said that arrangements were being made for a British commander to receive the surrender of Hongkong, and that plans for the re-establishment of British administration were fully prepared. This simple, firm statement will be clearly understood as an indication that, not only in respect of Hongkong, but generally, the new British Government is no more disposed than was the last to assist in the liquidation of the British Empire. Britain, let us not forget, is a victor in the war. If, perchance, the other victors signify their willingness to give up territories which have long been theirs, no doubt they will find Britain prepared to do likewise.