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simply make matters worse in Hong Kong. Here again question of to whom surrender should be made comes up, and I think Chiang Kai Shek has been upset by our telling him we were sending forces* into what he regards as his area without previous consultation. Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs asked whether we could not suggest some way round the difficulty, and said that any proposal would be sympathetically received. Would you consider asking Chiang Kai Shek to send representative to share in accepting the surrender, at the same time making it clear that necessary troops and relief will be sent by sea? I think this would be acceptable but do not guarantee it.
*
5. Your telegram No. 888 paragraph 3 asks Chiang Kai Shek to agree that the object of both governments should be the restoration of French administration of Indo-China. I suggest we.should tacitly drop this. Such a declaration from the Chinese if it could be obtained at all, would be so obviously contrary to the real wishes of the Chinese as to be valueless.
O.T.P.
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