P.U.S.
not seen,
RAUG
(E) MOS
TOP SECR
А.
Sin A. Calyethy
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
MR. Cartes
22
MAIN BUILDING, WHITEHALL, LONDON, S.W.I
PERMANENT UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE
TELEPHONE WHITEHALL 7022
24th August 1967
PUS/67/1445
9/20
Dear Joe,
Thank you for sending me a copy of your letter of 18th August to Denis Allen.
Since you wrote there has been some discussion between officials about the Note for Press Officers because we felt that if the material was restricted to what is in the present draft, any journalist worth his salt would feel that we were trying to hide something.
We feel that if the question is asked, then we should come out straight away with a flat denial and that anything else would arouse suspicion. Thereafter the material in the draft circulated with your letter could be drawn upon by the Press people as necessary. A denial is still technically truthful, but I am sure you will agree that even if it is decided to do some planning, then this must be kept on a wholly covert basis.
I have sent a copy of this to Denis Allen.
Your ever,
Ned Juarett.
Sir Saville Garner, GCMG
Commonwealth Relations Office
Downing Street, S.W.1. TOP SECRET