Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, 1945, The Far East, China, Volume VII

740.00119 PW/8–1945: Telegram

The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State

Chungking, August 19, 1945—6 p.m.
[Received August 19—11:15 a.m.]

1398. British Embassy this morning delivered a further communication to the Chinese Foreign Office at [on] Hong Kong (Embassy’s telegram 1396, August 19, 1 a.m.).

Briggs informed by Counselor of British Embassy that this communication reiterates British desire and intention to reoccupy Hong Kong and receive Japanese surrender, but suggests that a representative of the Generalissimo participate in receiving surrender.

With respect to Saigon, British position is that surrender of Commanding Japanese General there be effective with respect to all Japanese armed forces in French Indochina, and that Chinese receive at Hanoi surrender of subordinate Japanese commander covering northern (China Theater) area. Counselor added that Department is being kept fully informed by British Embassy Washington.

Hurley