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Hdnt want
TOP SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM
DESPATCHED BY 0.T.P.
OZ 5751
TOO 181520Z TOD 181730Z.
IMPORTANT.
FROM:
CABINET OFFICES.
TO:.
S.A.C.S.E. A.
INFO: C.-IN-C. B.P.F.
C.-IN-C. HONG KONG.
COSSEA 356.
15
SEP 1945
18th September, 1945.
Io
Following from Chiefs of Staff.
Reference SE..C (RL) 34.
N/T.
Your paragraph 2. Question of participation
of British forces in occupation of Chinese ports other than Hong Kong is still under discussion and we cannot at this stage give a final decision on system of operational command. In general, except in so far as forces of each Service may have to be placed under U.S. command, for local operational purposes, naval forces will be under C.-in-C. B. P. F., land forces under G.O.C. Land Forces Hong Kong and Air Forces under A.0.C. Hong Kong - and not under your unified control.
Your administrative responsibilities for such garrisons as may be employed will be confined to Supply of maintenance requirements for Army and R.A. F. forces and for civil affairs. Demands on you will be co-ordinated by H. Q. of each Service in Hong Kong. Naval forces will be maintained by C.-in-C. B.P.F.
20
Your pagaraph 3. Our original directive places responsibility for military administration of Hong Kong on Admiral Harcourt. When supplies available to you are insufficient to meet all demands, and in absence of a solution agreeable to both yourself and Admiral Harcourt, matter must be referred to London for decision on priorities.
162
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