FO371-46251 — Page 231

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A most embarrassing situation may therefore arise in the event

of Hong Kong being liberated by Chinese forces unless there is

clear agreement with Chiang Kai Shek in advance as to our role.

in the administration of Hong Kong.

5.

Gencral Wedemeyer's position as Chief of staff to the

Generalissimo is such that any agreement of this nature, and the

measures necessary to implement it, would in practice require

his support and co-operation.

Both the British G.Ü.C. in China

and General Carton de wiart have formed the impression that

General Wedameyer is personally opposed to any action by the

British in China directed to the reoccupation of Hong Kong, and

that he would in any case feel obliged to refor any matter of .

this kind to Washington.

$

६ In those circumstances it seems very desirable that,

before approaching Chiang Kai Shek, we should make sure of

American support for our proposal, If these negotiations, first

with the Americans and then with the Chinese, are conducted

through the usual channels there is a danger that they mary

drag on for several months, whereas as indicated in paragraph 1,

time may be very short.

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