brey
on 54144/40(1)/45.
COPY
TOP SECRET
MOST IMMEDIATE
PRIME MINISTER'S PERSONAL TELEGRAM SERIAL NO. T.52/45
PRESIDENT TRUMAN TO PRIME MINISTER PERSONAL AND TOP SECRET
Reference your No.6.
No.6 18.8.45
350
107
From the United States' standpoint there is no objection to the surrender of Hong Kong being accepted by a British officer providing full military co-ordination is effected beforehand by the British with the Generalissimo on operational matters connected with assistance and support through that area to Chinese and American forces who may still be either engaged against the enemy or involved in securing the surrender of Japanese forces in the hinterland. General MacArthur will (repeat will) be instructed to arrange for the surrender of Hong Kong to the British Commander whenever the above co-ordination is effected.
The Secretary of State informed Tare Victor Soong here this morning of this contemplated action stating that it did not in any way represent United States' views regarding the future status of Hong Kong.
DISTRIBUTION
The King
Lord President of the Council
Foreign Secretary
FOR INFORMATION
Cabinet.
Dominions Secretary
Colonial Secretary
Sir E. Bridges
General Ismay