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(a) the establishment of a channel for the discussion,
both with the Chinese and with the American military authoritics in this theatre, of the whole range of military problems in which British assist- ance might be, or might become, available - I have in mind particularly questions of supply and transportation, such as the immediate provision of materials and equipment for the repair of plants and buildings likely to be useful in the conduct of operations;
(e) the provision to this Embassy of political,
economic and other intelligence about the territories liberated;
(f) the provision of information to the Chinese and
American field commands about British properties and facilities in the areas to be liberated; and
(s) the establishment with Chinese advanced head- quarters of British personnel who might be of assistance in safeguarding British property and the interests and persons of British subjects in Chinese territory after liberation and until such time as consular officers can again be appointed.
5. As to paragraph 4 (g) it is clear from previous correspondence that His Majesty's Government attach great importance to the protection of the persons of any British subjects and the safeguarding of British properties liberated from the Japanese. The suggestion has already been mooted see Mr. Gage's letter to Mr. Ashley Clarke No.487 of May 3rd, 1944 that it would be advisable to try to persuade the Chinese to permit the attachment of British officers with experience of China to advance headquarters of the Chinese forces. It is our idea that the proposed mission should be provided with a complete survey, with maps and plans, of British properties; and I imagine that such a survey is available in London, or could readily be compiled with the aid of the China Association. I am hopeful that in these circumstances the officers of the mission would be able to provide useful information to the appropriate commanders, and that they might at the same time be able to identify British property and to save such of it as may still be of value from needless destruction, looting or other misuse, whether by the troops or by the liberated inhabitants. mission might also include a naval officer who would be available to exercise the same functions from the specific standpoint of shipping interests. It should be remembered in this connection that while the majority of British property is in the old "Treaty Ports" there is much mission property in outside areas, and that such firms as the Asiatic Petroleum Company have warehouses and equipment throughout the country.
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6. I am not sure to what extent plans may already be formulated by the American military authorities to have materials ready for the rehabilitation of essential services
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