CO129-591-18 Liberation of Hong Kong- arrangements for Japanese surrender 15-8-1945 - 19-4-1946 — Page 179

IMMEDI ATE

TOP SECRET

Dear Price,

179

Downing Street,

S.W.1.

24 August, 1945.

We have seen Sterndale Bennett's letter enelosing, for the consideration of the Chiefs of Staff, a draft reply to Chungking telegram No. 909 about the arrangements for the Japanese surrender at Hong Kong.

I have shown this letter and the draft

telegram to Sir George Gater who has authorised me to say that we in the Colonial Office at the official level would be prepared to accept an arrangement on the lines indicated.

We suggest, however, that the words "to be designated in" in paragraph 2 of the draft telegram should be amended to read "who would be empowered for this duty under".

We also suggest that the words "as a witness in that capacity" at the end of paragraph 2 of the draft telegram, and the words "as a witness" at the end of paragraph 3, should be underlined.

While this letter represents the views of the Colonial Office at the official level, Sir George Gater proposes to show Sterndale Bennett's letter and the draft telegram to our Secretary of State as soon as he is available. If then we wish to suggest any further modifications in these proposals I will telephone to you.

COLONEL PRICE,

CABINET OFFICES,

Yours sincerely,

J.J. Passin