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and we regard it as a matter of principle that, irrespective of operational theatres, wherever the Sovereign power has sufficient forces available, it should resume its authority and accept Japanese surrender in its own territory. Moreover, as we were forced to relinquish possession of Hong Kong to Japanese, it is a matter of military honour for us to accept Japanese surrender there. We shall, however, welcome presence of a representative of Generalissimo in Hong Kong on occasion of our acceptance there of Japanese surrender.
5. We are informing United States Government of Chinese memorandum and above reply.
6. At same time, Prime Minister is asking United States President, in order to obviate any possibility of misunderstanding about Hong Kong on part of Japanese Commanders concerned, to instruct Allied Supreme Commander to order Japanese High Command to ensure that Japanese local commanders in Hong Kong shall surrender to Commander of British Naval Forces on his arrival.
Copy to:-
Cabinet Offices
Foreign Office
India Office
Colonial Office
Sir E. Bridges
Maj. Gen. E.I.C. Jacob
P.S. to Secretary of State Sir A. Cadogan
Mr. J.C. Sterndale-Bennett Mr. C.B.B. Heathcote-Smith
P.S. to Secretary of State Mr. G.E.J. Gent
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