FO371-46251 — Page 220

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Frime Minister

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171

Top Secret

Arrangements fo the administr tion of long ng in the event of its liberation by regulus hinsge

forces

1. at prosent long, song is in the operational sphere of

Generalissimo Jhiag i Cck thore Jhiof of turf in the

American · encrui edene for. We thorofɔrs have to lc prepared

for the contingency of the Colony being, liberated by Chinese

Forces operating (virtually) under American direction.

According to information provided by the .. Chiots' of staff

tu the British Chiexs of „tuff at Terminal, an offensive is

contemplated by morican-trained Chinese forces in the

direction of Canton and Hong Kon in the fairly near future.

2. Assuming that the Chinese are prepared in such

circumstances to hand back Hong Kong to I.......☺. it wodla

never the loss be embarrassing to have to receive it from the.....

The question whether it is practicable for long him to be

(including Dominion) recaptured by Dritish/forces, or with the participation

in some degree of British forces, is one for the

appreciation

of the Chiefs of Staff. If neither course is practicable

we shall not be able to do otherwise than ccept the

position.

:: In that case it is at all events important that we

should be able to assume the administration of this British

Colony as soon as the military situation allows, and

obtain an agreement that from the outset of any initial

period of military administration our divil Affairs policies

should be accepted, and that the Civil affairs audinistration

should be conducted by British personnel.

•ti

at presont we have no understanding with the Chinese

Government (as we have with the ..Government) in respect of

their acceptance of British Jivil ..ff: irs policies in any

British territory included in their operational sphere.

A most embarrassing situation may therefore arise in the ovont

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