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But we know from J.S.M. 17 (Flag A) that Chiang Kai-shek has given President Truman the substance of his message to us, i.e. that he agrees to "delegate" his authority to accept the surrender of Hong Kong to a British Commander.
The material order will be that to the Japanese authorities in General Order No. 1 and it is not in- conceivable that the passage which will now be necessary in that Order about Hong Kong might be worded by the Americans in such a way as to suggest that the British Commander is acting as the delegate of Chiang Kai-shek.
I think that we should point out this danger to the Chiefs of Staff and ask them to obtain through their representative with General MacArthur the text of General MacArthur's proposed amendment to General Order No. 1 relating to Hong Kong.
It seems desirable also that the Chiefs of Staff should inform Rear Admiral Harcourt, if they have not already done so, of the substance of our telegram No. 984 to Chungking (Flag C) and of any later developments; and that they should give him precise instructions as to the procedure which he is to adopt at the surrender.
I understand from a conversation with Mr. Gent of the Colonial Office that the Colonial Office would oppose the compromise suggested by General Carton de Wiart in paragraph 6 of his telegram to General Ismay at Flag D.
I attach a draft letter to Colonel Price, Cabinet Offices.
J.C. Standale Bennett
27th August 1945.
Ab.
See within
) bab Offices Commid
Aug.27.1/45.
bstract COS (45) 20)th Mety of 27/8
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