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18 August, 1967
A
We have been thinking about the problem of how to
handle a leak, if one should occur, about evacuation
planning for Hong Yong in the light of the Ministerial
decision recorded in OPD (67) 28th Meeting Item 8, about
which Denis Greenhill has been in touch with
Jack Johnston.
Much would of course depend on the circumstances and
the appearance of authenticity of the leak, but it seems
prudent to try and agree a stand-by formula between
ourselves and Ned Dunnett (to whom I am sending a copy of
this let er and enclosure) which we could either clear
with Ministers now, or at least have ready at short notice
in case of emergency.
There are trip wires to every possible formula.
Straight confirmation that we were engaged in evacuation
planning would be out of the question, because of its
effect on confidence in Hong Kong, unless the leak came
at a time when the situation in Hong Kong had deteriorated
to such a point that our position there seemed hopeless,
and it became urgently necessary to re-assure public
opinion here in relation to expatriates in Hong Kong.
Sir Denis Allen, KCMG, CB.
Foreign Office,
Downing Street.
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(But