FO371-24688 — Page 126

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SECRET CIPHER

From :- G.0.C. Hong Tong EGRAM

То

: The War Office.

7468 cipher 11/7.

Ľ

327

Desm.1630.11.7.40 Recd. 1825.11.7.40

F 3591

From time to time I am approached by the

Chinese Government Representatives with offers of Military

Assistance from Chinese army in event of attack on Hong

Kong. Offers made with knowledge of Chiang Kai Shek who

conveys personal messages to me. Large numbers of trained

unarmed Chinese offered for defence of Hong Kong and

assistance promised by large force operating from outside.

I invariably point out impossibility of Chinese forces

operating from within because no food or arms available for

them and for other obvious reasons. As regards assistance

from outside I reply that am not authorised to enter

that

into military conversations for political reasons and

decision must come from London. Chinese have obviously been

anxious to involve us in military discussions. These would

at once be known to Japanese. I have however explained that

in an emergency operation by Chinese forces against flanks

and rear of invading Japanese most effective in directions

which cannot be determined in advance. I have kept Chinese

at arms length but not closed door to offers. In my opinion

on their present for assistance from Chinese unlikely to be

effective but if you wish to follow question further suggest

correct channel through A.M.A. Chungking.

C.4. (Telegrams)

To:- M.0.2 (for action).

Copies to:- S. of S.

C.I.G.S. V.C.I.G.S. D.M.0.& P.

Copies to (contd) :-

Foreign Office (Mr.Ashley

Clarke) 40

Colonial Office (Mr.Poynton) 4. Colonial Office (Mr.Gent).

D.D.M.O.(0).

M.0.1.2.2a.

D.M.I.

D.D.M.I.(0),

M.1.2.

M.I.L.

20.

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