hstent
OUTWARD TELEGRAM 34
168
[This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on]
(F/G)
[CYPHER]
CABINET DISTRIBUTION
No. 967
FROM FOREIGN OFFICE TO CHUNGKING
22nd August, 1945
D. 10.45 p.m. 22nd August, 1945.
Repeated to Washington No. 8712
Supreme Allied Command, South East Asia (Mr. Dening)
No. 406
7 7 7
IMMEDIATE
TOP SECRET
We understand that General MacArthur is arranging for formal Japanese surrender to take place in Tokyo Bay on August 31st. Meanwhile situation in his view resembles an armistice and he considers that local Japanese commanders will not surrender until they receive orders from the Japanese High Command issued after the signature of the formal Act of Surrender at Tokyo. Until then he feels that action to accept local surrenders should be deferred in order to avoid risk of renewal of hostilities.
2. To conform with this view, the sailing of the British Naval Force for Hong Kong has been delayed and Admiral Fraser has been instructed to follow General MacArthur's directions as regards the timing of the Japanese surrender at Hong Kong.
3. Flease inform Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek accordingly.
O.T.P.