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point out that we are unable to agree that his claim to delegate power to accept sumender is in accordance with Allied arrangements.
upreme Commander, General MacArthur, haa received instructions From the United States Chiefs of Staff to arrange for the surrender of Hong Kong to a British Commander to be nominated by Admiral Fraaer, subject only to the completion of military co-ordination between the Generalissimo and ourselves on operational matters in connexion with facilities which we have undertaken to grant through the Hong Kong area for the assistance of the Chinese and American forges in China.
(b)
We would nevertheless like to settle this question in complete agreement with Chiang Kai Shek, since we attach the greatest Aportance to our good relations with China.
(a) We hope therefore that he will not press his claim to
It is fully within his power Delegate his authority in this matter,
to waive it by unilateral action in favour of the Commander of the British forer. We sincerely hope that he will decide to take this
quee, in which event we on our side would take an early opportunity Lo make en appreciative public reference to his gosion.
If Chiang Kai Shek cannot be persuaded to act as suggested in paragraph 3 above, Fie Majesty's United Kingdom Ambassador has been enthorised to suggest following compromise:-~
(a) Admiral Harcourt (the British officer in Command of the British Force) on behalf of His Majesty's Government in United Kingdom should accept surrender jointly with a British Officer (preferably General Hayes) acting on behalf of Chiang Kai Shek,
(3) Any other 411ied representatives present would then sign
a witnes8e9,
logy to:-
Cabinet Offices
Foreign Office
Colmial Office
I.Cc
Sir E. Bridges. General Jaoob, Mr. V.V. MoVittie. P.S. to S. of S. Sir A. Cadogan.
Sir B. Newton.
Mr. C.B.B. Heathcote-Smith, Mr. J.C. Sterndale-Bennett. Mr. G.E.*. Gent.
P.S, to S. of 3.
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