FO371-46253 — Page 145

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TOP SECRET

CIPHER TELEGRAM

BACCO-

This message will not be distributed outside British Government Departments or Headquarters or re-transmitted, even in cipher, without being/Barafused. (Messages marked O.T.P; need not be paraphrased.)

From: War Office

To:

Rptd: S.A.C.S.3.A.

G.O.C., B.T.C.

C-in-C., India.

68686.. Cipher MO 12 22 Aug

DTO 222150/A

Desp. 230130 Aug 45

IMMEDIATE

IMPORTANT

IMPORTANT F6003

TOPSLC

Your G/1794/9 cipher 21 Aug, following is for your own

information,

One.

HONG KONG.

Following steps are in hand for reoccupation of

Phase I.

Naval Task Force under G-in-C., B.P.F. to enter HONG KONG to accept Japanese surrender and to take such action in

connection with P.W., Internees and administration as

oircumstances will allow. Force Commander will be assisted

by Constructional Personnel of V.L.R. Bomber Force now in the

Pacific which has been diverted for this purpose. Naval

Force is en route but has now been ordered to delay arrival

pending further orders. Arrival may not be effected until

after formal surrender given to Gen. MacArthur at TOKYO.

Phase II.

SACSEA is preparing to sail one British bde as soon as

possible to take over occupation of HONG KONG from Navy.

Arrival date not yet certain. Thereafter forces in HONG KONG

will be maintained and administered by SACSEA.

Two.

Gen. Ma Arthur is being instructed by President to arrange for the surrender of HONG KONG to the British Naval

Comd.

It has been agreed that full facilities will be given

for the assistance and support through HONG KONG for Chinese and American forces engaged against the enemy or involved. in

securing their surrender in the Chinese hinterland.

British

/ Chiefs...

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