FO371-46258 — Page 145

Page 145

Page 145

Page 7 of Commander-in-Chief's, Hongkong No. C. in C. Hongkong 5/67/3

of 6th October, 1945.

134

Page 145

16th September.

41. The formal surrender was arranged to take place at Government House. The streets were lined with Service detachments and a combined Naval, Royal Marine, Commando and R.A.F. Guard with massed Royal Marine and Commando Pipe Band were drawn up in the grounds of Government House. The scene of the signing was in the large and lofty entrance hall in which were assembled the senior and distinguished guests including Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser, Rear Admiral D.B. Fisher, Rear Admiral C.S. Daniel, Major General F.W. Festing, Air Commodore G. Bartholomew (representing H.M. Ambassador at Chungking), Mr. H. Gimson (former Colonial Secretary), and Brigadier D.M. MacDougall.

42. The Japanese representatives, Vice Admiral Ruitaro Fujita and Major General Umekichi Okada, were escorted from Kowloon by Captain J.A.S. Eccles, RN, and six Royal Marine Commandos. They were made to stand behind a small table a few feet away from a larger table where I, together with the other Allied official observers, Major General Pan Hwa Kuo, Colonel Adrian Williamson, A.U.S., and Captain W.B. Creery, RCN, took their places.

43.

I instructed the Japanese to sign the Instrument of Surrender, a copy of which had been supplied to them beforehand, and to surrender the swords to me.

44. When this had been done I signed on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom and also on behalf of the Generalissimo as Commander-in-Chief of the China Theatre.

45.

I then ordered the Japanese to be removed and they were taken back to Kowloon under escort.

46. After their departure the company assembled in the grounds where I inspected the Combined Guard. The Union Jack was then ceremonially hoisted to the accompaniment of the National Anthem followed by a salute of 21 guns from H.M. ships in the harbour and a fly past of Naval aircraft,

47. In the evening there was a searchlight and firework display by the Fleet which was excellent and greatly delighted the local population.

(Sgd.)

4

Harcourt

COLMANDER-IN-CHIEF.

Page 145

Page 145Page 146