FO371-46255 — Page 60

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TOP SECRET CYFHAN TELEGRAM.

MOST IMMEDIATE.

From: A. M.S.S.0.

То : BRITCHIN

5611

DESPATCHED BY Ú.T.P.

CZ 5611

TOO 0912302

TOD 0913202

F 6755

9th September 1941945

For Cartwright from Chiefs of Staff.

Your G.2105/S. /F6888/141/18,

As we have agreed your amended para 4(c) and recognise General MacArthur as the Supreme Commander for Allied Powers we still see no need for any agreement to be signed nor for the insertion of proposed para 4(i).

2. We wish to safeguard position of C. in C. Hong Kong and we consider that to sign agreements concerning the use of Hong Kong facilities is to make promises which later, through either large scale demands from. the Chinese and Americans on the pretext they are fulfilling MacArthur's orders, or through the inability of the Hong Kong Colony to meet its own internal difficulties regarding repatriation of P.0.. administration etc., we shall be unable to honour and thus be accused of a breach of faith. Moreover we feel that if agreements are to be made and signed the C. in C. Hong Kong will know the more immediate implications of any agreement and should be the authority with whom Chinese and Americans should negotiate.

3. In view however of the attitude adopted by Chinese and Americans we agree to the inclusion of your new paragraph 4(i) and that you may send a letter as follows.

BEGINS.

I have received by signal from the British Chiefs of Staff their agreement to attached memorandum which they have instructed Admiral Harcourt to implement to the best of his ability.

CIRCULATION.

Defence Office Foreign Office First Sea Lord C. 6 Tels

ENDS.

T.0.0. 091230Z

A. M. C.S. (C)

1

S. of S. Dominions S. of S. Colonies S. of S. India

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