§ MR. R. G. WEBSTER (St. Pancras, E.)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that there is a strong feeling amongst those who have been long acquainted with the Colony of Hong Kong, and are interested in its progress, that the non-inclusion of the city of Kowloon in the recent lease of adjacent territory from China will prove a source of great unrest to the Colony of Hong Kong, a hotbed of crime and gambling, and a most insanitary area in the midst of the Colony; and if steps could be taken to acquire the city of Kowloon from the Chinese Government?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESAs I stated on Tuesday, the whole question connected with the extension of the territory of Hong Kong will require careful reconsideration in the light of recent events. As stress is laid upon the condition in the Convention relating to the City of Kowloon, it may remove misconception if I state that it refers only to the walled town, which is smaller than Eaton Square, and contained in October last a population of 744, of whom 366 were soldiers, who will have to be removed in any case.
§ MR. R. G. WEBSTERWill this small Alsatia be swept away?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIESI do not think it is an Alsatia. I think the Alsatia to which the honourable Member refers, if it exist at all, is in the suburbs of the city, and not within the walled town, which is the only part reserved to Chinese administration.