CO129-591-17 Liberation of Hong Kong- instructions to Mr Gimson- proposed civil administrator 10-8-1945 - 21-9-1945 — Page 42

40

9

SECRET

OUT

WARNING: This is an unparaphrased version of a secret cypher or confidential code message, and the text must first be paraphrased* if it is essential to communicate it to persons outside British or Allied Government Services.

(*NOTE: Messages shown as having been sent in a One-Time Pad:

"O.T.P." are excepted from this rule.)

To

C.T.G. 111.2

Info C. in C. B.P.F.

C. in C. East Indies

282359A August

Date 28. 8. 45.

C.C.M. Naval Gen.

Secret

From Admiralty,

Me para 3 of No 7 on 54144/40/3).

MOST IMMEDIATE

Ref. A.M. 130032A August, A.M. 130042A August, 131957A August (Not to C.T.G.111.2).

Following message from Ginson for Secretary of State for Colonies, carried by messenger to Macao and transmitted by telegraph for H.M, COJOEL, Begins: .

"Have sufficient staff and complete scheme available to set up Civil Administration immediately, except patrol of new territories. For a short period without outside assistance. I am taking the oath as Officer administering the Government. Request immediate advice, situation at present quiet.

It is vital for incoming Allied Commander to meet me repeat me immediately on arrival. Suggest land at or near Stanley Comp.

2.

Ends."

Following reply sent by Secretary of State for Colonies. Begins:-

"Your message has been repeated to Rear Admiral Harcourt who has been empowered immediately on his arrival in Hong Kong to establish Military Administration by Proclamation. You should then at once comply fully with his instructions. In the meantime I warmly approve your initiative and plans you have made. End of Message."

3.

You should convey Secretary of State's message to Gimson in case he has not received reply via Macao.

4. Both above messages have been repeated to Ambassador Chungking.

282359A

for P.A.S.(L)

Ext. 145

MW

First Lord 1st S.L. (3)

D.F.S.L.

N.A.D.F.S.L. V.C.N.S.

Secretary

A.C.N.S. (F) P.A.S.(L) P.A.S.(S)

D. of P. (2)

D.N.I.(5)

D. O.D. (F)(2)

Hd. of M.(30) and for Foreign Office,

Mr. Sterndale Bennett, War Office Brig. Dove Colonial Office Mr. Gent. W.C.O.