CO129-591-18 Liberation of Hong Kong- arrangements for Japanese surrender 15-8-1945 - 19-4-1946 — Page 104

IMMEDIATE

FROM :

TO

TOPSECRET CYPHER TÉLE GRAM

RECEIVED BY O.T.P.

IZ 8554.

TOO 290850Z.

TOR 292120Z.

BRITISH STAFF SECTION S..P.A.

A.M.S.S.O.

104

GOB

CEG. 37.

29th August, 1945.

Personal for General Ismay from General

Gairdner.

1.

5713 Your 5383 August 28th.

General MacArthur and General Sutherland have left for Japan so cannot obtain exactly information required.

2.

Following is extract from instructions sent to Admiral Fraser by General MacArthur August 24th. "Commanding General China. (Wedemeyer) informs Supreme Commander for Allied Powers that Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek has agrood to delegate his authority for the acceptance of surrender of Japanese Forces in Hong Kong

Also that Generalissimo Chiang to a British Commander. Kai Shek will designate a Chinese and an American Officer to participate in the surrender acceptance. Further, advises that Generalissimo has requested British to effect military co-ordination on operational matters connected with Hong Kong surrender with General Wedemeyer and Chinese Board of Military Operations. Requests Supreme Commander for Allied Powers makes appropriate arrangements.

Desiro that necessary arrangements to effect surrender Japanese forces in Hong Kong to Rear Admiral Harcourt be hade directly between Admiral Harcourt

General Wedemeyer and Chinese Board of Military Operations Surrender date can be fixed for any day following" that

On which instrument of surrender is accomplished. Request this office be kept informed and advised of date and hour of acceptance surrender.

This office will direct Japanese to surrender their forces in Hong Kong(?) to Rear Admiral Harcourt."

Circulation Foreign Office S/S Dominions

First Sea. Lord S/S Colonies

TOO 290850Z

B.F.G.S.

C.A.S.

Defence Office