Nanking Embassy Files, Lot F–73: Telegram
The Ambassador in China (Hurley) to the Secretary of State
[CFB 5633.] Dr. Wu, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs handed me a message from the Generalissimo to the President at 12:30 p.m. Chungking time today. The message is in full as follows:
“My Dear Mr. President: I have received your message transmitted by Ambassador Hurley in regard to the surrender of Hongkong. In compliance with your request and in deference to your suggestions on military coordination between China and Britain on operational matters connected with Hongkong, I have notified the British that as Supreme Commander of this Theater I agree to delegate my authority to a British Commander to accept the surrender of the Japanese Forces in Hongkong. I will also designate a Chinese and an American officer to participate in the acceptance of surrender there and I have asked the British to effect the necessary military coordination on operational matters beforehand with my Chief of Staff, General Wedemeyer, and the Chinese Board of Military Operations. Difficult as it is for me to make these concessions, Mr. President, I have done so out of my great desire to cooperate with you in every way possible. Chiang Kai-shek.”