FOREIGN OFFICE FILES FOR CHINA, 1949-1976
(Public Record Office Classes FO 371 and FCO 21)

Part 2: Complete Files for 1950 (PRO Class FO 371/83230-83579)

This microfilm project makes available for the first time the detailed reports of Britain’s diplomatic service from its Asian bases in mainland China, Macao, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

These files are particularly valuable not only because Britain had strongly established interests in the region and an extensive network of contacts, but also because, unlike America, Britain recognised the Chinese Communist Government early on and maintained a full diplomatic presence in China. The documents reproduced here provide a mass of fascinating source material for the study of this crucial period in the history of modern China. Scholars can also analyse the divergence in the British and American views on developments in the region and the differing response to each new situation.

Part 2 continues with in-depth coverage of events in China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan by means of weekly and monthly reports. Many files monitor the progress in the take over of the whole of mainland China by the forces of Mao Tse Tung’s Communist Government. Many files are again devoted to the question of recognition. There is analysis on Sino-Soviet relations, American policy towards China and Taiwan, the invasion of Tibet, the situation concerning Quemoy, the control of exports of strategic materials to China and North Korea, the defence of Hong Kong, British Commercial Policy and the Blockade of the Yangtse by the Nationalists.

The following small extracts give a flavour of the material:

General Chang Chih Chung, Vice-Director, N W Military and Political Commission of Peoples' Revolutionary Military Council (see FO 371/83335) asks:

"Who wants to fight ? USSR - she consistently maintains peace. The British and Americans don't want war. Under such circumstances, particularly where the peoples of China and the USSR join hands in the determined defence of world peace, the British and American imperialists will have to see how things are going...."

The following extract is from the Notes for Sir Esler Dening on his visit to Hong Kong to meet China Merchants (see FO 371/83353):

"...whilst we try to avoid entanglement in politics we cannot escape their effects, and in this connection we ask Her Majesty's Government if they can give a clear statement that our presence as communities in China is considered valuable as a modifying influence on political or diplomatic thought which might be unfriendly to Britain."

They met at the Hong Kong Bank and the file records advice from Morse (Hong Kong Bank), Collar (ICI), Londale (Jardines) and Roberts (Butterfields). The merchants felt that they could "play a decisive part in swinging the Central Peoples' Government over ...."

There is much analysis on the economy and business affairs of Hong Kong and on issues concerning Hong Kong and China. Economic factors and British interests in China are well covered along with files on Land Reform.