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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.)
WR 222/3/19 OUTWARD TELEGRAM FS32/G
CYPHER (TYPEY
FROM:
D.O.
TO:
(GOVT.)
#1
IMMEDIATE
CANADA
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND
SOUTH AFRICA
Sent 9.00 p.m., 18th Aug., 1945.
D No. 1497 TOP SECRET
My telegram 13th August Canada No. 170 Australia No. 290 New Zealand No. 203 South Africa No. 65 paragraph 3 (b). Hong Kong
We are arranging to send a detachment of British Pacific fleet to Hong Kong at earliest possible date.
2. His Majesty's United Kingdom Ambassador, Chungking, has, on instructions, informed Chinese Government that we are arranging for despatch of necessary British forces to reoccupy and reatore administration of Hong Kong. United States Government have been informally informed of this communication.
3.
Chinese Government have replied that, according to United States General Order to Supreme Commander (my telegram 17th August D No. 1472) Hong Kong is in area in which Japanese forces are to surrender to Generalissimo of China theatre; Chinese Government respect all legitimate British interests and are prepared to accord them every necessary protection, but, as a concerted plan of accepting surrender of these forces is essential to restoration of peace and order in Asia, Chinese Government suggest that arrangements for acceptance of surrender should be in accordance with General Order and that British forces should not be landed in China theatre without authority from Supreme Commander for Allied Powers. and Supreme Commander of China theatre.
4. Ambassador is being instructed to reply to Chinese Government immediately that we cannot agree with their inter- pretation of General Order. In our view words "within China" in paragraph 1A cannot be interpreted as including Hong Kong,
SPECIAL
and
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