2600078
C.S. 41A
30,000-4/65-B47951
REF.
CONFIDENTIAL
-2-
COLONIAL SECRETARIAT
LOWER ALBERT ROAD
HONG KONG
so Whiting tells me, to avoiding publicity for visits. But the gossip about forthcoming visits from the constant stream of sailors coming in soon gets around and it is said that the tailors, bars etc. of Wanchai are nsually quick to have up signs "welcome to the sailors from
naming the next ship in!
4.
More important than that, however, is the inevitable circulation of information for administrative purposes and thus knowledge of cancellation. "Constellation" is a carrier of 70,000 tons; she has to anchor off Green Island and not come up harbour. Therefore ferries, sullage lighters, telephones and fresh supplies etc. have got to be laid on for 4,000 men. All these then have to be cancelled (and cancellation charges paid); then hotel bookings, car hire reservations, social engagements have all to be cancelled and so the news gets around. Perhaps more important still in this case a group of 40 wives had already arrived at their own expense from the U.S. to meet their husbands. They at least will know that the decision was a British one and even if their criticism is not immediate, it may well come out in the U.S. on their return. Altogether the cancellation of the visit must have cost the Americans thousands of dollars, and the shopkeepers of H.K. about US$ 1 million. (I am told that one shop alone selling Hi-Fi equipment got HK$1 million out of "Hancock"
5.
However, I mustn't overdo it. So far we have got away with it in the press. But what I would ask everyone concerned is to bear in mind the practical problems which face those on the ground when a visit is cancelled at the last minute. Of course it will happen sometimes and for valid reasons, but let us do our best to avoid cancellations unless these really are necessary.
6.
I am sending copies of this letter to Donald Hopson in Peking, Jock Given in Singapore and Gilmore in Washington. I attach a spare copy for Eddie Bolland.
Yours sincerely Michae
Wilford
(K.M. Wilford)
P.S.
Your telegram No. 1549 has just come in. We shall see what can be done.
CONFIDENTIAL