CO129-591-18 Liberation of Hong Kong- arrangements for Japanese surrender 15-8-1945 - 19-4-1946 — Page 225

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Orders have been given to $.A.C.S. E.A. and Tommander-in-Chief B.P.F. co make plans for the following operatione;

(a) The early re-opening of the Straits of Malacca, the occupation of Singapore sad the key groaz of Malaya.

(b) The early remestablishment of a Bertien garrison in Hongkong. The proposal is that Commander ab-Chief British Pacific Fleet should embark from Borneo en Matvelion force of about one brigade strength and transport 16 with cl. pongable speed to Hongkong. 1 will be relievod, as soon te the Stralis of Walsoor are open, by formea from 6.B.A.C.

(c). The acceptance of the aurrender of Japanese forese in Java, Sumatra, and French Indo-China, and the preliminary arrangements for handing back tucce territories to the Dutch and French.

(d) The occupation of Slam-

5. We should like to have your early agreement in principle (To 2 only) that Australian fores, presibly in conjunction with New Zealand forces, ahs31 in trally be responsible for Borneo and all

Japanese occupied. Spritories to the caet thereof, includlag Ocean and Nauru Ialenda. Some acscult and merchant shipping will be made gvailable to you. Wll you please let us know your minimum requirements? We will also make arrangements as soon as possible for the provision of cargo and personnel shipping for the maintenance of your forces of occupation in this area.

Since there will be many matterg which will need local cokeultation we consider 16 most desizable that Hulson missions. should be exchanged between the Australian Tommander-in-Chief and

accordingly.

Subject to your agrequent we will instruct 3.A.0.S.R.A.

We should be glad of infomation as "6 your intentions for the employment of the B.a. squadwola.

RA,

Having regard to the ahero of Cenudien troops in the earlier (To 3 onli defence of Hongtong, we dould hope to have Canadian participation in the acceptance of mirandes and we trust you will agrue with this, So suggest that the buet way to which bale gould be effected is by

• Canadian warship sealing with the forge woling under the orders of. Commende, la Chief British Fanfic Pleate

We hope also that you wall agree with the proposal in 8(6) above that Cehadian force chall ake part in the occupation of Japan. will consult you further on die dotulled ekrangemento, and should be glud of your suggeelj ons.

7. We are inviting the metr«/lyn and New Fealand authoritase to accept the surrender' of all Japanese forces z'n Borneo and to the best Mersof, sad ve sro making aerelgodunta to provide them with the neccesary shipping.

(To 3 only)