FO371-46253 — Page 197

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17

IMMEDIATE

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F

SECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM

RECEIVED BY 0.T.P.

Hd of 7E Блибри

161

F6056

IZ 8516

TOO

241605Z

TOR 250006Z

From:

To:

Info:

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

C. in C. British Pacific Fleet.

A.L.F.S.E.A., A.C.S.E.A., G.H.Q. India, J.S.M. Washington, A.M.S.S.0. fór SEAC(RL) British Staff Section Manila.

SAC 19779

24th August, 1945.

1.

For Admiral Fraser from Mountbatten.

In accordance with Chiefs of Staff instruction I am planning to send 3rd Commando Brigado with H.M.S. SMITER carrying 16 Spitfires and 4 Austers as reinforcements to Hong Kong arriving about mid-September. The vehicles in this force to arrive in two L.S.T. a fow days later. The passage of this force through Malacca Straits is dependent upon Japanese capitulation in southern area and exact date of arrival will be notified as soon as known. A Major General and Staff accompany this force and if you agroo is available to assume duty of Garrison Commandor on withdrawal AC 11.

2.

supply.

The force will be accompanied by 15 days' A further 15 days' supply should arrive within 7 days plus 30 days' supply for RAPWI. The earliest dato by which next maintenance convoy can reach Hong Kong

is 26th September. This convoy will contain supplios for civil population and additional administrative and medical personnel for care of RAPWI and civilians. Consequently if above dates are kopt the maintenance force and initial care and fooding of RAPWI can be undertaken but I shall be making full provision for care and feeding of RAPWI or distressed civilians before 26th September.

3.

I ask therefore that you should arrange temporary provision of medical facilities and victuals for RAPWI and distressed civilians from resources British Pacific Flout.

4.

I can assume responsibility for day to day maintenance of SHIELD at Hong Kong also from about

Chiefs of Staff signal TOO 201722A refers.

26th Sopt.

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