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HONG KONG
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4.
British Naval Force under dmiral Harcourt entered
Hong Kong on the 30th August and with the cxception of sniping,
there has been no opposition. A few suicide boats seen
leaving the harbour were successfully attacked from the air.
5. Admiral Harcourt's force consisted of the following:
6.
1 Battleship
1 Carricr
1 Light Fleet Carrier
2 Cruisers
6 Destroyers
8 Submarines
1 Canadian uxiliary
8 R.A.N. Mineswoopers.
It had been agreed that the official surrender of
Hong Kong should take place on the 5th or 6th September
following other China theatre surrenders fixed for the 4th on
5th September. In the meantime, with full Chinese agreement
British Forces have landed, the Japanese have been evacuated
from the Hong Kong area and have been disarmed.
Chiang Kai Shok has agreed that Admiral Harcourt should sign the
surrender instrument on behalf of His Majesty's Government
Generalissimo
and equally on behalf of Chiang Kai Shek as China Theatre
Commander. The Japanese Admiral and General will personally
surrender their swords to Admiral Harcourt.
7. The general situation in Hong Kong remains quiet and
a civil administration under Mr. Gimson, who was Colonial
Secretary and has been a prisoner of war in Japanese hands, has
been working effectively.
8. Admiral Harcourt reports that there remain about
2,500 Japanese to be rounded up in the New Territories.
9. No. 3 Commando Brigade from South East isin Command
is expected to arrive in Hong Kong on the 10th September
together with one Spitfire squadron, to be followed later
by three further squadrons of the R.. F. and 1 Division from
S.B.A.0. will later roliove the Commando Brigado in Hong Kong.
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