Message to the American Consul in Hong Kong

Brayan its gloug 41 This m be seerore of ng ECRET to aced 3 RESTRICTED $. to OCT 30 1945 AMCONSUL 6pm HONG KONG 310525 In future conversations with MacDougall (URTEL 12, October 23) you should express the Dept's view that American businessuen will be reluctant to operate under controls which would prevent the early is reestablishment of their commercial contacts. Hong Kong has stood as a syabol of free trade, and the absence of import quotas and other government restrictions has been largely reaponsible for its long and prosperous history. Ye would greatly regret to see, upon its return to British jurisdiction, limitations placed on commercial enterprise in the colony - particularly at this time when every effort is being made to promote freer trade throughout the world (Statesenal 204, B gines. telégram and this reply have been forvarded to the American Embassy in London with the request that our viewa be made informally known to the Foreign Office. The Department le very much interested in this matter. Plesse continue to report fully on developments. Please convey e greetings to Origadier end inform him Pool is looking ofter Bong Kong affairs in the Dent. BC: HF urber To Genery CP- by Acrombler LA- ITP FE twis Cleared with Cleared with CPool Xr. Ross and Lt. whitman DECLASSIFIED by authority of State Dest in to Mr. DeGolia. NARS 8-10-72 NL memo TONLT 4-12-73 Initials 5/21/19