Singapore and for
Retention of a British Military Presence inŝustralia
19.
It is considered that the retention of some British forces in
Singapore and for
ん
Australia would have no more than a marginal impact on the attitude
of China; but it might help to maintain pullic confidence in Hong Kong
and to allay the anxieties of our allies about our intentions in
regard to Hong Kong. Inasmuch as it might help confidence in Hong Kong,
it would reduce the arguments for strengthening the garrison in Hong Kong; and there would be no advantage in providing from Hong Kong reinforcements for our other dependent territories in the Pacific.