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SECRET CIPHER
From :- G.0.C. Hong Tong EGRAM
То
: The War Office.
7468 cipher 11/7.
Ľ
327
Desm.1630.11.7.40 Recd. 1825.11.7.40
F 3591
From time to time I am approached by the
Chinese Government Representatives with offers of Military
Assistance from Chinese army in event of attack on Hong
Kong. Offers made with knowledge of Chiang Kai Shek who
conveys personal messages to me. Large numbers of trained
unarmed Chinese offered for defence of Hong Kong and
assistance promised by large force operating from outside.
I invariably point out impossibility of Chinese forces
operating from within because no food or arms available for
them and for other obvious reasons. As regards assistance
from outside I reply that am not authorised to enter
that
into military conversations for political reasons and
decision must come from London. Chinese have obviously been
anxious to involve us in military discussions. These would
at once be known to Japanese. I have however explained that
in an emergency operation by Chinese forces against flanks
and rear of invading Japanese most effective in directions
which cannot be determined in advance. I have kept Chinese
at arms length but not closed door to offers. In my opinion
on their present for assistance from Chinese unlikely to be
effective but if you wish to follow question further suggest
correct channel through A.M.A. Chungking.
C.4. (Telegrams)
To:- M.0.2 (for action).
Copies to:- S. of S.
C.I.G.S. V.C.I.G.S. D.M.0.& P.
Copies to (contd) :-
Foreign Office (Mr.Ashley
Clarke) 40
Colonial Office (Mr.Poynton) 4. Colonial Office (Mr.Gent).
D.D.M.O.(0).
M.0.1.2.2a.
D.M.I.
D.D.M.I.(0),
M.1.2.
M.I.L.
20.
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