CONFIDENTIAL
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE
(The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Cypher
Sent 9th March, 1967.
23.00 hrs.
CONFIDENTIAL
No.480
Following telegram of 9th March from Seoul addressed to Foreign Office No.33 repeated for information to Manila, Saigon, Washington, Hong Kong No.8 and POLAD Singapore.
Begins.
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Your telegram No. 46.
R. and R. Hong Kong.
I have now talked with Counsellor, American
Embassy who has been instructed to postpone joint approach to Ministry of Foreign Affairs until Korean Prime Minister has left the United States about 15th March after his visit to Washington. I also understand a problem has arisen on American side about a joint approach in Manila and that the Americans would like this resolved before joining us in talking to the Koreans. Meanwhile the Americans will endeavour to ascertain what alternative R. and R. facilities can be offered to Korean troops other than Hong Kong.
2.
In view of United States reaction above I propose to defer approach to the Korean authorities, unless instructed otherwise. LAST
Ends.