CO129-591-13 Military Administration- proposed civil Affairs Agreement with China 20-7-1945 - 11-8-1945 — Page 37

liberation of Hong Kong we cannot do otherwise than

Nevertheless it is important

accept that position.

that we should be able to assume the administration of

this ritish Colony as soon as military situation allove,

and to obtain agreement that during any initial period

of military administration our Civil Affairs policies

and personnel should be established at the outset.

At present we have no understanding

3.

with Chinese Government (ao we have with 0.8. Government)

in res ect of their acceptance of British Civil Affairs

policies in any Pritish territory included in their

operational sphere. Host embarrassing situation may

therefore arise in Hong Kong unless there is clear

agreement with Chiang Kai hak as to our role.

Owing to General Vedemayer's position as Chief of staff to (eneralissimo this means e poss. in practice.

sement with U.S. Goverment alro.

Before we go to Chiang Kai Shek for this

purpose I think it would be most helpful if, subject to

consultation with 5. of 5. for Foreign Affairs, you would

agree to take present opportunity to raise this with

Fresident/