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[THIS TELEGRAM IS OF PARTICULAR SECRECY AND SHOULD BE RETAINED BY

THE AUTHORISED RECIPIENT AND NOT PASSED ON.]

(CYPHER]

238

Sir H. Seymour, No. 827

13th August 1945

Repeated to S.E.A.C.

Washington

MOST IMMEDIATE

TOP SECRET

CABINET DISTRIBUTION

FROM CHUNGKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE

D. 9.50 a.m. GMT 13th August 1945

R. 11.40 a.m. BST 13th August 1945

F *5066

AU* 1945

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I gather that American Army Headquarters are engaged on preparation of overall operational plan for re-occupation of China and that, when plan has been completed (probably late this afternoon) we are to be approached for assistance to the limit of our restricted resources.

2. Acting General Officer Commanding is working out possibilities of co-operation by British troops in China and British Red Cross concerned is pushing ahead with preparations for immediate medical services at Shanghai and Weihsien (see your telegram No. 867). Sob81917.

3. The Americans may agree to British Army Aid Group

#506 co-operation in Hong Kong. We do not yet know whether British

We do not yet know whether British 50- Army Aid Group can pass the messages in your telegram No. 859 to Gimson; but if their services are to be employed in the Colony, Colonel Ride will of course be guided by these instructions. We imagine you will agree that British Army Aid Group should be sent in at least as a first step but would be grateful for information about any other plans for re-occupation of Hong Kong from the sea. Meanwhile Colonel Ride is being instructed to stand by.

4. If the Americans show a disposition to exclude us from Hong Kong I would propose to inform the United States Ambassador of gist of instructions to Gimson in your telegram above mentioned and to reserve our position pending further reference to you.

O.T.P.

13

XI

AUG

"GISTRY

1945

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