FO371-46255 — Page 114

Page 114

Page 114

104

NEW BRITAIN

23. The Japanese Commander-in-Chief, South Eastern Army,

formally surrendered at Rabaul on the 6th September to the

Australian Commander on Board H.M.S. Glory.

SHANGHAI AREA

24.

Admiral Servaes, commanding a Task Force of two cruisers

and a light fleet carrier, have arrived at Formosa, where they

will remain until 12th September. It is expected that on

this date they will link up with a U.S. force and proceed to

the Shanghai area. We have under examination the possible

participation of British forces with the Americans in the

initial occupation of the other main Chinese ports

(Tsingto, Hainan and Canton).

S.W.P...

25. The subsequent division of responsibility between

S.E.A.C. and Australian command zones is being adjusted

between Admiral Mountbatten and the Australian Command.

26.

OCEAN AND NAURU ISLANDS

With the concurrence of the U.S. Chiefs of Staff, an

Australian occupation force has been assembled at Torokina and

is ready to move to occupy Ocean and Nauru Islands and to

accept the surrender of the Japanese there. The Australian

Commander will sign the surrender instrument as a

representative of the U.S. Theatre Commander and also as

a representative of the U.K. and Australian Governments.

The approximate strength of this force is of the order of

one battalion with naval support.

姊

Page 114

-11-

Page 114

Page 114