§ Mr. Churchill(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government are taking action to restore the British Administration in Hong Kong as soon as they receive the Japanese surrender in the Colony.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. As stated by the Foreign Secretary on Monday, arrangements are being made for the Japanese surrender in Hong Kong to be accepted by a British Force Commander. Plans for re-establishing British Administration in the Colony are fully prepared.
§ Mr. ChurchillWhile expressing gratification at the answer of the Prime Minister, may I presume that my right hon. Friend recalls that on numerous occasions, and particularly at the Cairo Conference in 1943, His Majesty's Government have made it plain that they do not contemplate any modification in the sovereignty of His Majesty's territories in the Far East?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I have a very full recollection of those statements, and I will bear them in mind.
§ Mr. MaxtonWhen the right hon. Gentleman considers these questions, when he is restoring British civilian Government in Hong Kong, will he bear in mind that the high civil servants who formed a large proportion of the administration there before the Japanese occupation have been imprisoned, and that they will not be expected to resume duty without having a period of rest and relaxation?
§ The Prime MinisterCertainly; I have no doubt that every attention will be given to them. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a Question on this particular point to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the speech made by the Leader of the Opposition last week can we take it for granted that this question will not be settled with the atomic bomb in the background?