OUTWARD TELEGRAM
M
[This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on]
F/G
[CYPHER]
CABINET DISTRIBUTION
FROM FOREIGN OFFICE TO CHUNGKING
No. 972
23rd August 1945.
Paskin
54144/46/5*
D. 5. 40 p.m. 23rd August 1945.
Repeated to Supreme Allied Command South East Asia (Mr. Dening)
No. 411 Immediate.
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MOST IMEDIATE
TOP SECRET
My immediately preceding telegram.
27 AUG:345
0. C. MEGI
Following is text of Chiefs of Staff telegram to Washington.
Begins.
His Majesty's Government are extremely anxious lest, by reason of the hold-up of units of the British Pacific Fleet at Subic Bay, Chinese forces may forestall us in taking surrender of Japanese at Hong Kong. Please impress on United States Chiefs of Staff at once that we have done everything in our power to conform to the conditions laid down by the United States Chiefs of Staff and to General MacArthur's own views as regards acceptance of the surrender at Hong Kong, and that there is a danger that Chinese, profiting by delay imposed on our movement by General MacArthur may forestall us there. You should point out that we have held back our forces on the clear understanding that United States Chiefs of Staff will take all possible steps vis à vis Japanese via MacArthur, and vis à vis Chiang Kai- shek via Vedeneyer to ensure that the surrender of Hong Kong is aade to the Officer Commanding the British Naval Force detailed for that purpose.
Ends.
O.T.P.