Er. Wilkinson
Er. Syken
(Defence Dept.)
Mr. Gaminara
(Hong Kong
Dept., C.0.)
CONFIDENTIAL
1245
U.S. NAYAL VISITS TO HONG KONG
FLAG
PROBLEM
246) said that I had sent
FLAD
In paragraph 10 of my submission of 31 July (attached), I
said that I had sent a personal telegram to the Political Adviser
in Hong Kong (also attached) asking whether, in view of the situa-
tion over exit visas for our Mission in Peking the visit of the
attack carrier "America", scheduled for 10-16 August, could be
switched with the visit of the "St. Paul", a oruiser scheduled for
20-27 August, as the latter was likely to be less controversial in
Chinese eyes.
The Political Adviser has replied (Hong Kong tele-
FLAC gram No. 949) that such a switch would entail too drastic a revi-
6
1248
Rx8
sion of American plans, and that a postponement would not be
possible. The only alternative therefore would be cancellation
which would cause great disappointment.
RECOMMENDATION
2. I recommend that, provided the general recommendations in my earlier submission are approved, the visit by "America" be allowed
to stand.
CONFIDENTIAL
../ ARGUMENT