embarrassing situation may therefore arise in the event of
Hong Kong being liberated by Chinese forces unless there is clear
agreement with Chiang Kai Shek in advance as to our role in the
administration of Hong Kong.
5. General Wedemeyer's position as Chief of Staff to
the Generalissimo is such that any agreement of this nature, and
the measures necessary to implement it, would in practice require
his support and co-operation. Both the British 0.0.0. in China
and General Carton de Wiart have formed the impression that
General Wedemeyer is personally opposed to any action by the British
in China directed to the reoccupation of Hong Kong, and that he
would in any case feel obliged to refer any matter of this kind to
Washington.
6. In these circumstances it seems very desirable that,
before approaching Chiang Kai Shek, we should make sure of American
support for our proposal. If these negotiations, first with the
Americans and then with the Chinese, are conducted through the
usual channels there is a danger that they may drag on for several
months, whereas as indicated in paragraph 1, time may be very short.
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