FO371-46252 — Page 66

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TOP SECRET

51-5801

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OUT

Warning: This is an unparaphrased version of a secret cypher or confidential code message, and the text must first be paraphrased* if it is essential to communicate it to persons outside British or Allied Government Services.

(*Note: Messages shown as having sent in a One-Time Pad: "O.T.P." are excepted for his rule.)

141625A August

13240/1147/

TO: C. in C. B.P.F.

DATE: 14.8.45.

Info: C. in C.East Indies

B.A.D.

A.C.N.B.

S.A.C.S.E.A.

NAVAL CYPHER (DD) & O.T.P. T/K

FROM: Admiralty.

MOST IMMEDIATE

Admiralty Message 131957A. J.S.M. asked U.S. C.O.S. whether they would be prepared to instruct Admiral Nimitz and General MacArthur to make available at appropriate moment British forces for Hong Kong. J.S.M. said that if this was agreed, the question of obtaining General MacArthur's authority for the release of Australian forces would be cleared with the Australian Government.

2*

The U.S. C.0.S. have replied as

follows:-

"The United States Chiefs of Staff will accede should request bo meno to foloase to British control at the time of the surrender of Japan, all or any part of the British Pacific Fleet. In this connection de should be noted, however, that the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, has accepted the offer of a British Force of 1 EB, 2 s 1 CV, and the necessary destroyers, to participate with the U.S. Pacific Fleet, in the naval oscuration of Japan in such eventuality. As to tho stated purpose for which theso TOPCGS DO released are desired by His Majesty's Governmert, i.e. the occupation of Hong Kong, it is the view of the United States Government that this is a matter for arrangement between the Ezitish and Chinese Governments. The relcase of British Forces is viewed by the United States Chiefs of Staff as being unrelated to any proposals cr the British Chiers of Staff concerning Hong Kong",

They added that as South West Pacific area would on Japanese surrender pass immediately to British and Australian Command, it would be unnecessary for any arrangement to be made with General MacArthur for release of Australian ForceL.

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