British Rule In Hongkong To Continue

Northern Advocate, 24 August 1945, Page 7

British Rule In Hongkong To Continue

(Rec. 11.40 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 23.

Arrangements are being made for the British commander to receive the surrender of Hongkong, 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-establishment of British administration in Hongkong 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 replied: “I fully recollect the statements and will bear them in mind.” . The Press Association’s diplomatic correspondent says that Hongkong area is in" the sphere of Chinese .military operations, but the British Government feels that it is its paramount responsibility to care for the population on its own territory. Dr. T. V. Soong, who is flying to London early next week, has not given notice that he is raising the question of Hongkong.

American Statement

The question of Hongkong would be discussed at the coming meeting in London between the Foreign Ministers of Britain, the United States, Russia, China and France, said the United States Secretary of State (Mr J. F. Byrnes) at a" press conference in Washington.

It is pointed out in London that the British Foreign Office had no previous knowledge of this. Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday on this subject, the Foreign Secretary (Mr Ernest Bevin) said: “I am 1 sure that, in agreement with our Chinese and American Allies, our territory will be returned to us.” General Wedemeyer stated that the. British and Chinese Government*: were ne-! goriating as to whose forces shall occupy Hongkong and accept the Japanese surrender.