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FS714

[This telegram is of particular secrecy and should be

retained by the authorised recipient and not passed on].

[CYPHER]

Sir H. Seymour. No. 931.

CABINET DISTRIBUTION.

FROM CHUNGKING TO FOREIGN OFFICE.

24th August, 1945.

D. 1.05 p.m. GMT 24th August, 1945.

R. 3.12 p.m. BST 24th August, 1945.

Repeated to Washington,

S.E.A.C. (for Mr. Dening).

MOST IMMEDIATE.

333

TOP SECRET.

My telegram No. 909 paragraph 3 and your telegram No. 969.

I have written to the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs asking that Chiang Kai-shek be informed that Major General Hayes will act as local British military representative for the purpose of co-ordination with Wedemeyer and Chinese military authorities.

2. General Hayes informed Wedemeyer accordingly this morning and reports conversation as follows.

[Begins] Wedemeyer stated that though he knew negotiations were proceeding between the British authorities and Chiang Kai-shek the latter had not so far discussed the question with him. He had, however, received certain instructions from his own Government under which I gathered his role is limited seeing there is no unilateral action on our part and that full co-ordination is achieved beforehand with the Chinese,

3. I then asked Wedemeyer for his views on the extent of co-ordination required. He stated that Chinese should be given our temporary operational plan for re-occupation including: (a) command and composite force, (b) its object and objectives, (c) date and time of proposed arrival at Hong Kong. Wedemeyer then enquired whether Hong Kong island only was in question or also leased territories. I expressed personal opinion that the latter must also be included in the plan since our lease has several years to run and the main airfield is located therein. He did not demur.

4. I then enquired with which particular Chinese military authority I should deal on this question. Wedemeyer promised to see Chiang Kai-shek ́to-day and request him to appoint a suitable representative. Then the three of us could meet as required and thrash the matter out.

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5./

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