851G.00/6–745: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in China (Hurley)
873. The President thanks you for your considered telegram48 in regard to the problems presented by the re-establishment of French control in Indo-China and the British desire to reoccupy Hong Kong and fully appreciates the difficulties in which you and General Wedemeyer may be placed on account of the lack of specific directives in respect to both of these problems which have been under careful study both here and in connection with the discussions at San Francisco.
[Here follow three paragraphs relating to Indochina.]
With regard to the British desire to resume control of Hongkong the President is fully aware of the importance which the Chinese Government attachés to the return of this port to its control and considers that arrangements should be made between the British and Chinese Governments with whatever help we can give at the proper time to conclude a mutually satisfactory settlement which does not prejudice either the legitimate aspirations of the Chinese people or the particular strategic requirements of the present war against Japan.
The President is glad to have your assurances in regard to the instructions which the British and Russian Ambassadors49 have received to support the unification of all armed forces of China under the National Government and to endorse the aspirations of the Chinese people and support their efforts to achieve a free, united China.
He hopes that you will continue to keep us fully informed, about the various aspects of the problems you mention.