FO371-46257 — Page 92

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(F8592/1147/10)

SECRET

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MINUTE

Notes on a visit to Hong Kong 26/9

3/10/45.

Typhoon conditions having prevented my proceeding to Hong Kong by R.A.F. from Kunming on any day from 21/9 to 25/9, I abandoned the project and returned to Chungking on the latter date. As however Admiral Fraser was still here and was leaving for the Colony next day, on your instructions I obtained a lift from the Commander-in- Chief. We landed at Kaitak airfield in the early afternoon of September 25th, and proceeded forthwith to H.M.S.Duke of York. It was refreshing to see Japanese prisoners of war hard at work on the airfield unloading drums of petrol from a lighter under robust Commando guards.

2. The Commander-in-Chief was visited at various times after our arrival by Admirals Harcourt (Commander-in-Chief Hong Kong), Daniel

Commander-in-Chief of the Task Group in Hong Kong) and Fisher Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet Train and now Flag Officer Western Areas which is a tactful euphemism for the China coast, Air Commodore Brook, Air Officer Commanding Hong Kong, and Mr.Keswick. Admiral Fraser gave accounts of his visit to Chungking and thereafter made a signal to Your Excellency on the question of British aid in sweeping mines in South China ports. Admiral Fraser said that he had been convinced that the Generalissimo was nervous about British ships proceeding to Chinese ports and felt that it would be a great mistake to allow them to do so under American orders. He insisted at the same time that he had pointed out to the Generalissimo the obvious advantages of unified command in these matters.

3. H.M.S. Duke of York was due to leave for Manila and Sydney the same evening, and I went ashore, just before her departure, with Admiral Harcourt and Mr.Keswick. Admiral Harcourt very kindly put me up at Government House, which the Japanese authorities had put into excellent shape, although a legacy of certain rooms in the Japanese style may become of problematic value. I had seen from the aircraft that a good deal of damage had been done in Hong Kong and there are a number of sunken hulks all over the harbour. We actually landed at the Taikoo dockyard which was very badly knocked about the same applies to the Kowloon dockyard across the harbour and proceeded through extensively damaged godown and labour residential quarters to the less damaged business section of the town. There has been a lot of looting of the residential districts by the Chinese inhabitants and all wooden fitments have been removed for firewood.

4.

The Secretary of State for War and his staff were staying with the Commander-in-Chief, and I had some conversation with Mr. Lawson who made a cordial enquiry as to your well being. I gave the Secretary of State some account of developments in Chungking and he was particularly interested in the Kuomintang-Communist negotiations.

5. I am recording matters discussed in separate notes attached to this minute: but some general observations may be of use. In general I found that the Navy had laid an excellent foundation on reoccupation and that the Civil Affairs people and other authorities have got to grips with their problems. Mr. Gimson and his team had made a gallant start in the period between the surrender and the arrival of Admiral Harcourt's task group. The Civil Affairs Department is shockingly understaffed, however, and cannot do more than meet problems from day to day, as they arise. At present most executive

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decisions/

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