of the American requests for such visits
could be accepted, each request being
considered on its merits in the light of
the situation at the time. Accordingly we
are content that you should agree to the
visit of the U.S.S. HANCOCK (your telegram
No. 835 refers). We also agree that for
the time being we should do nothing to
reduce visits by troops from Vietnam
(paragraph 2 of your telegram No. 727). We
feel some doubts about more direct
indications of American interest and concern
C
in Hong Kong. There is perhaps a danger
that these might serve the purposes of the
extremists in China rather than act as a
deterrent. Clearly we need to look very
carefully at the form and content of any
American gesture of support. We are study-
ing this and will let you have our further
views;
see many
Lithia this
(c) we are not at all happy about the idea that
Hong Kong might seek closer alignment and
identity of interests with countries in
нас
bearded
lay
the region that have basically right-wing
Chinio
anti
regimes in Chinese eyes. What dividend this
might bring for local confidence could be
more than offset by the provocation it will
give in Peking;
(8430) Dd,033246 600m 9/66 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.963
(a)
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