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[This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on.
[CYPHER]
Sir H. Seymour.
CABINET DISTRIBUTION
FROM CHUNGKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE
NO. 973.
29th August, 1945.
Repeated to Washington,
R.
D. 9.14 a.m. GET 29th August, 1945.
10.50 a.m. BST 29th August, 1945.
Supreme Allied Command South East Asia.
v v v
MOST IMMEDIATE
TOP SECRET
56 Your telegram 1001.
I called on Dr. Wu this morning to ask for interview with Chiang Kai-shek and explained to him your proposal for the waiving of the Generalissimo's authority. Dr. Wu speaking personally said he would strongly advise against putting forward this scheme. Generalissimo felt very strongly in the matter ( as both General Carton de Wiart and I can confirm) and thought we were trying, in gaining face for ourselves, to cause loss of face for him. Generalissimo had already informed President Truman, for infor- mation of General MacArthur, of his delegation of authority to Commander of British Forces, and had told me of this (my telegram 55 No. 958). Having done this he would certainly not agree now to waive his authority. Dr. Wu suggested that if we could not formally accept the delegation of authority which would be the best thing for Sino-British relations, the next best thing would be to leave the matter alone and go ahead with surrender arrange- ments as planned.
2. Dr. Wu's advice was given unofficially and was I think sincere. He is in close touch with the Generalissimo and has been in on all discussions. He asked that he should not be quoted as expressing any opinion at all.
3. I assume that you will not feel able to accept the delegation of powers and in the circumstances I believe it may be best to leave matters as they stand. In the short time avail- able and in view of the Generalissimo's attitude we are not likely to get anything from further discussions except increasing bitterness.
4. In the circumstances I did not mention the proposal in your telegram No. 1002.
57 your
OTP
5. Please instruct.
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