541WW38/45
TOP LOCAT
my den Cadogan
88*
July, 1945.
Before the Election resulta Colonel
tanley had
been irressed with the urgent need to clarify our position in respect of the administration of Hong Kong on the liberation of the Colony. In view of the information we now have as to operational plans in China he had come to the conclusion that there was no time to be lost in approaching Chiang Kai bek with a view to reaching an understanding with him in the event of the liberation of Hong Kong by Chinese foreca, on the lincs of the agrecrent which we already have with the Americans regarding British territories in merican operational spheres,
wing to the fact that the Generalissino's Chief of @taff is on rerican General, who is reported to be personally opposed to any action by the British in China directed to the reoccupation of Hong Long, we feel that, before approaching Chiang Mai shek, we should do anything we can to rake sure of American support for our proposal, and in view of the high political issues involved we feel that our preliminary approach to the rerionna should be on 'ti
highest possible level. I cuclose a note on the facts of our position in respect of Hong Kong.
In view both of the urgency of action and the desirability of taking it up with the Americano at a very high level, it seemed to Colonel Stanley that the opportunity of Terminal should not be lost for this purpose, and if this in to be done I rust in the
circumstances put it at once to you for your consideration and in the hope that you ray feel it possible to take action before Terminal dispersen. We shall in any case have to go to the Chinese but it will be an irrense help if we can clear it first with the rericans.
IE HONOURABLE BIR ALEXANDER CADOGAT,G.C.M.G.,K.C.B.
Copies sent to
Sin 7. Bunenchen
f
Ser Jacob.
12
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