CO129-591-16 Liberation of Hong Kong- arrangements in the event of the collapse of Japan 3-8-1945 - 1-8-1950 — Page 68

TOP SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM

RECEIVED BY 0.T.P.

MOST IMMEDIATE

From:

J.S.M. Washington.

To

A. M.S.S.O.

JSM 5

IZ 8285 TUO 1617312

TUR 161950Z

16th August 1945.

66

19

We have this morning received from the United States Chiefs of Staff copies of the following surrender documents which we are informed the Dept. of State has passed to the Foreign Office:-

2.

(A) Proclamation to be made by the Emperor of

Japan.

(B) Instrument of Surrender.

(C) Directive to the Supreme Commander of the

Allied Forces.

(D) General Order No.1.

Unless we hear to the contrary we shall assume that you have these documents.

3.

You will note that paragraph 1(A) of General Order No.1 provides that the senior Japanese Commanders of all ground, sea, air and auxiliary forces within China shall surrender to Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek. This particularly if read in conjunction with paragraph 1(F) might be interpreted in some quarters to mean that the Japanese Commander and Garrison in Hong Kong should only surrender to the Genonlissimo. If you feel there is any danger of misunderstanding it might be advisable for H. M. G. to go on record at once by saying that we do not consider that Hong Kong lies within China. Embassy concur.

CIRCULATION

Foreign Secretary. First Sea Lord.

C. I.G.S.

C. A.S.

S. of S. Dominions.

TOO

1617312

S. of S. Colonies.

S. of S. India.

Minister of War Transport. General Kimmins.

Defence Office.