FO371-46251 — Page 237

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A most embarrassing situation may therefore rise in the event

of Hong Kong being liberated by Chinese forces unless there 18

clear agreement with Chiang Kai Shek in advance us to our role

in the administration of Hong Kong.

5.

General Wedemeyer's position as Chief of stuff to the

Gener:lissimo 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.0.. in Chinɛ

and

und General Carton de Wiart have formed the impression that

General Wedemeyer is personally opposed to any action by the

British in China directed to the rcoccux tion of Hong Kong,

that he would in any case feel obliged to refer any matter of

this kind to Washington.

6. In these 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,

re conducted through

the usual channels there is a danger that they may drag on for

several months, whereas as indicated in paragrogh 1, time may be

very short.

for

I have consulted the Secretary of State for Foreign Affire,

und the secretary of State for tax, and in our view it is important

that the preliminary approach to the Americans should be on the

highest possible level Would you be repared to take ti

opportunity to raise this matter with reddent Truman, to ipress

upon him the importance which we attach to ià and to sk him

ensure that the U.§ Chiefs of Narf and Géner: Fedemeyer suppor

our proposals when we put them to Chiang Kai Shek

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