CO129-591-17 Liberation of Hong Kong- instructions to Mr Gimson- proposed civil administrator 10-8-1945 - 21-9-1945 — Page 47

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54144/45 54144/40(3)45

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To. Info.

C. in C. B.P.F.

C. in C. East Indies.

C.C.M. NAVAL (F.0).

From. Admiralty.

IMPORTANT

131957A/August.

Date 13.8.45.

Admiralty Messages 130032 and 130042. satisfactory arrangements with U.S.

Subject to C.O.S. concerning Hong Kong, it is intended that British Naval force should be sent to establish military administration temporarily in Hong Kong and new territories. It is considered that force should be commanded by Flag Officer, who should take following action:-

2.

He should immediately issue proclamation in Admiralty Message 130032A and assume powers as specified therein.

3.

He should contact Gimson, who it is hoped may have been able to assume authority prior to arrival of British forces, and should convey to Gimson specific authority from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to hand over to himself the powers of Government.

4.

He should report at once action taken on arrival in Hong Kong and whether he has made satisfactory contact with Gimson.

5.

On further consideration, it is preferred that proclamation should be issued directly in name of Flag Officer Commanding British Naval force proceeding to Hong Kong. Accordingly text in Admiralty message 130032 should be amended as follows:

(a)

(b)

6.

insert in preamble, instead of Admiral Fraser, name and title of Flag Officer Commanding British Naval Force;

delete Article 7.

Brigadier McDougall, Chief Civil Affairs Officer (Designate), a senior officer in Hong Kong Colonial Service, and advance party of key Civil Affairs personnel, are standing by to be flown out to Hong Kong.