740.00119 PW/8–3145: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Hurley)
1379. In Aide-Mémoire dated August 2836 French Embassy advanced proposal that Indo-China comprise a single surrender area, the British zone, or, if this is impracticable, that the Japanese Commander in the north of Indo-China surrender to the Chinese in Chinese territory while the surrender of his troops be effected in the hands of the French under the authority of the British command.
In Depts reply dated August 3036 it was recalled (ReDeptel 1257, August 1437) that division of Indo-China was a purely operational matter based on available forces in the area and added that this Government still believes military considerations should prevail. Reply went on to say “Should the French Government be able to reach an understanding on the subject with the British and Chinese Governments it can be assumed that the United States Government would be glad to act accordingly provided General MacArthur perceives no objection to it on military grounds and there is time to give it effect”.
Please inform the Chinese authorities and your French and British colleagues of our entire willingness, subject to General MacArthur’s concurrence, to approve the French suggestion should agreement thereon be reached between the French and Chinese Governments. (Sent Chungking, rptd to Paris 4130 and London 7500.)