740.00119 P. W./8–1345: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State 10
[Received 7:48 a.m.]
[CFB 4432.] I have received the following message from the Generalissimo for President Truman in reply to the message conveyed in White House 327:
“President Harry S. Truman: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your message concerning the various arrangements for accepting the general surrender of the Japanese. I welcome the appointment of General of the Army Douglas MacArthur as the Supreme Allied Commander. I am especially grateful for your support of the National Government of China and note with gratification your decision that General MacArthur will direct the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters to have Japanese forces in China, other than those opposing the Russians, surrender unconditionally to me or my subordinate commanders. In accordance with your suggestion, I have communicated with General MacArthur directly, informing him of my designation of General Hsu Yung-chang as my representative and also giving him the following message:
“‘President Truman has sent me a message proposing to designate you as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers to accept, coordinate and carry into effect the general surrender of the Japanese Armed Forces. I heartily endorse this proposal and am glad to associate myself with such a great soldier in this task. In compliance with President Truman’s request I have designated General Hsu Yung-chang, Minister of the Board of Military Operations of the National Military Council, as my representative at the surrender. I trust you will be good enough to make the necessary arrangements to enable General Hsu to be present when the surrender is formally signed by the representatives of the Japanese General Staff as well as to give him guidance and cooperation in every way.
“‘President Truman also said in his message: “It is also contemplated that General MacArthur will direct the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters to have the Japanese forces in China, other than those opposing the Russians, [Page 498] surrender unconditionally to you or your subordinate commanders.” He further suggested that direct communication with you on such arrangements should be initiated at once.
“‘I wish to request you accordingly to issue the necessary orders to Japanese Imperial Headquarters for the specific purpose of preventing the surrender of any Japanese forces in China including puppets and armed bands cooperating with the Japanese to any Chinese armed political parties or Chinese partisans. The Japanese surrender and the surrender of all Japanese arms and equipment shall be made only to officials of the National Government of China to be designated to you by me. In particular the Japanese Imperial Headquarters and all Japanese commanders in the China Theater (other than those opposing the Russians) should be held strictly accountable for full compliance with the above directive.
“‘I send you my cordial greetings and personal good wishes, and am proud to cooperate with you in this supreme undertaking of restoring peace and stability in the Far East.’ ”
- Copy sent to the White House.↩