FO371-46254 — Page 4

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TOPSECRET CYPHER TELEGRAM

RECEIVED BY 0.T.P.

4

IZ 8654.

TOO 290850Z.

TOR 292120Z.

IMMEDIATE

FROM

BRITISH STAFF SECTION S.W.P.A.

ΤΟ

:

A.M.S.S.O.

CHG. 37.

29th August, 1945.

Personal for General Ismay from General

Gairdner.

Your 5383 August 28th..

1.

General MacArthur and General Sutherland have left for Japan so cannot obtain exactly information required.

2.

Following is extract from instructions sent to Admiral Fraser by General MacArthur August 24th. "Commanding General China (Wedemeyer) informs Supreme Commander for Allied Powers that Generalissimo Chiang- Kai Shek has agreed to delegate his authority for the acceptance of surrender of Japanese Forces in Hong Kong to a British Commander. Also that Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek will designate a Chinese and an American Officer to participate in the surrender acceptance. Further, advises that Generalissimo has requested British to effect military co-ordination on operational matters connected with Hong Kong surrender with General Wedemeyer and Chinese Board of Military Operations. Requests Supreme Commander for Allied Powers makes appropriate arrangements.

Desire that necessary arrangements to effect surrender Japanese forces in Hong Kong to Rear Admiral Harcourt be made directly between Admiral Harcourt,

General Wedemeyer and Chinese Board of Military Operations. Surrender date can be fixed for any day following that

on which instrument of surrender is accomplished. Request this office be kept informed and advised of date and hour or acceptance surrender.

This office will direct Japanese to surrender their forces in Hong Kong(?) to Rear Admiral Harcourt."

Circulation

Foreign Office S/S Dominions

First Sea. Lord

S/S Colonies

TOO 29085OZ C.I.G.S. Defence Office

C.A.S.

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