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159 36
24th August, 1945
My dear Gatie,
The Chiefs of Staff this morning considered (19) Foreign Office Telegram No. 909 from Chungking in which
it was stated that Chiang Kai-Shek had agreed to delegate to the Officer Commanding British Forces the power to accept Japanese surrender in Hong Kong and would nominate a Chinese and an American officer to paruiciņate.
(22)
The Chiefs of Staff who had not, at that time, seen Mr. Sterndale Bennett's letter No. F.5589/1147/G of 23rd August, covering a proposed reply to the telegram under consideration, thought that the face saving compro ise proposed in Chungking Telegram No. 909, although not perhaps entirely satisfactory, was, from the military point of view, acceptable. They felt, moreover, that its acceptance would enable us to tidy up once and for all a situation which had become extremely involved, and Would also avoid alienating the sympathy and good will of the United States Chiefs of Staff on this matter. have, as you know, shown a disinclination to take sides in it.
They
I am sure that you will agree that the above. expression of opinion by the Chiefs of Staff should, be represented to both the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of State for the Colonies before the draft telegram enclosed with Mr. Sterndale Bennett's letter is despatched. Thereafter, there appear to be two courses open, namely
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