OUTWARD TELEGRAM
Yest of Message
419
Ini Savage
refantest to 8 in 6.
B.F.F
- 54144/20/13/05
4
of Admy
[This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be
retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on].
[CYPHER]
No. 859.
CABINET DISTRIBUTION
FROM FOREIGN OFFICE TO CHUNGKING
D. 11.45 a.m. l1th August, 1945.
11th August, 1945.
R
Repeated to S. E.A.C. No. 329
17
rrrrrr
MOST IMMEDIATE
SECRET
In event of Japanese capitulation in Hong Kong it seems possible that they may release from interment camp Gimson, Colonial Secretary, and other senior officers of Colonial Government and facilitate his assumption of authority which he is in fact empowered to assume under Dormant Commission in absence of substantive Governor.
2. In that event he will need immediate instructions and assurance of support from His lajesty's Government. Please use whatever means you have (e.g. B.A.A.G.)to transmit to him such assurance and at same time convey to him instructions in following sense:-
(a) It is His liajesty's Government's policy to restore British sovereignty and administration immediately, and it is their purpose that for initial period there should be military administration as soon as duly authorised commander of British or Allied military or naval force can reach Colony
(b) If it is open to you (Gimson) to assume administration of Government under powers which you have in absence of Governor under existing Letters Patent, your duty will be to act accordingly with the full support of His Majesty's,Government until such time as Force Commander as stated in (a) arrives with authority to establish military administration. You should communicate by telegraph with Secretary of State for Colonies for confirmation of authority of any British or Allied Officer immediately on arrival of such officer in Hong Kong and in agreement with officer concerned and you should await specific authority from Secretary of State for Colonies before formally handing
over.
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