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(This is an unparaphrased version of a Secret cypher message and unless it is marked O.T.P. (One Time Pad) the text must first be paraphrased if it is essential to communicate it to persons outside British and United States Government Services.)
OUTWARD TELEGRAM FS235/147
SROM:
D.C
R.D.
CANADA
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
(GOVT.)
??
##
SOUTH AFRICA #
Sent 9.00 p.m.,
., 18th Aug., 1945.
D No. 1498 TOP SECRET
My telegram to-day D No. 1497.
When communicating with Chinese Government about Hong Kong, Hla His Majesty's United Kingdom Ambassador, on instructions, algo said that we were arranging for despatch of necessary British forces to ensure control of Headquarters of Japanese Southern Armies, which is at Saigon. We trusted that Generalissimo would agree that our common object should thereafter be to restore French administration of Indo-China, and to introduce French forces and administrators for this purpose as soon as available. Chinese reply adduced the same arguments with regard despatch of British forces to Indo-China as to Hong Kong. 2. Ambassador is being instructed to reply to Chinese Government that we regard our proposals as being fully in accordance with terms of United States General Order, but that we shall be glad to welcome presence of a representative of Generalissimo at surrender ceremony at Saigon.
SPECIAL
United States Government are being informed.
Copy to:-
Cabinet Offices
Foreign Office
India Office Colonial Office
Sir E. Bridges
Maj. Gen. E.I.C. Jacob P.S. to Secretary of State Sir A. Cadogan
Mr. J.C. Sterndale-Bennett Mr. C.B.B. Heathcote-Smith P.S. to Secretary of State Mr. G.E.J. Gent
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