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Relations Department, Mr. Makimura, dressed as an officer complete with Samuari sword. He was interviewed by Captain J.A.S.Eccles, C.B.E., R.N., my Flag Captain, who gave him my detailed instructions to the Japanese Commander of what was required of him. He was then flown off again in an Avenger. By this time * however, the weather had closed in over Hong Kong and the Avenger failed to find Kai Tak. By this time it was getting dark and the aircraft failed to find its way back to INDOMITABLE and finally had to crash-land in Chinese Communist Territory, the only damage being a bent propellor. On seeing the aircraft land, representatives of the Chinese Communists came to make inquiries especially about the Japanese envoy. To protect him they are told that he was a prisoner but the Communists could not understand why we kept him prisoner and did not cut his throat!
The following morning VANERABLE sent a Walrus and returnod the envoy to Kai Tak and then returned the Avenger crow to VENERABLE.
5. Meanwhile I had decided to enter harbour at 12,00 the next day, by which time the minesweepers should have been able to sweep a narrow channel clear of moored mines right up to the boom, The Japanese sent several warnings that the Americans had dropped numerous mines from aircraft in these waters, and
Commander Craven informed me that no ships of any alza had been in or out of Hong Kong through the Laimun Pass for some time, so that there was a definite risk of mines. I considered, however, that it was an acceptable risk.
30th August.
The
6. At daybreak on 30th August, a strike of T.B.R. aircraft escorted by fighters was flown off as well as a small CAP, strike flew over the whole area in close formation, firstly as a demonstration and secondly, ready to take action in case of enemy action. This strike was kept up all day, INDOMITABLE and VENERABLE taking it in turns to fly off. At 10.00 I transferrad my Flag to SWIFTSURE and in company with KAMPENFELT, MURYALUS, TUSCAN, PRINCE ROBERT and two Submaries, proceeded up harbour at 8 to 10 knots. As soon as we had got through the Laimun Pass without any opposition and without casualties from mines, MAIDSTONE, the remainder of the Submarines and the Minesweepers were called in. When they had safely negotiated the passage, ARSON was called in and INDOMITABLE was told to enter before dark› having flown on all her aircraft.
7. On arrival, landing parties from SWIFTSURE and EURYALUS were sent ashore under the command of Commander W.L.M. Brown,D.S,C., R.N., of SWIFTSURE and seized the Dockyard, clearing it of Japanese and Chinese with negligible opposition. The officers who were there included the Japanese Naval and Military Commanders who asked to have until the following day to clear out of their offices. They were told that they had only given the British officers half-an-hour to clear out with all their belongings, and they themselves were to go at once, but they would be allowed to send back for their belongings.
8. Before entering harbour it was known that there were a large number of suicide boats in the Hong Kong area, although the reconnaissance over the harbour had failed to detect any. Shortly before entering harbour a report was received from one of the aircraft that there was anything up to a hundred of these boats in Pionic Bay in Lamma Island. A little later aircraft reported aircraft_reported three were heading for the western entrance to Man-o'-War
anchorage.
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