*
Problem
Mr. de la Mare
Sir J. Rennie
No.
Mr. Bauley of Rea.
4
3/2
BRITISH MILITARY EXERCISE IN HNG KONG:
CARICATURE
An amphibious exercise involving e considerable display
of British force is arranged to take place in Hong Kong between
13 and 23 Febru ry. The Governor of Hong Kong has not yet
decided whether he should recommend that it be cancelled, but
has accepted that preperationsfor the exercise be made, subjoët
to reserving his right to refuse to allow it to proceed up to
the very last moment. The C.-in-C. Far East has accepted this.
Flag (Hong Kong telesram to Commonwealth Office No. 153 attached).
2
Recommendation
2. I recommend that the Ministry of Defence be advised to
Draft letter from Sir J. Rennie to
Cancel the exercise.
Mr. F. Cooper, Ministry of Defence, submitted.
Department and the Commonwealth Office agree.
Defence
Argument
3. The reasons for making this recommendation are as follows:
(a) Although similar exercises have been held in Hong Kong
before on several occasions, this is on a much larger scale
and involves the use of forces brought in from outside
Hong Kong. We understand that the exercise is in the
nature of a "battle" against insurgents organised by
a communist neighbour. It would involve the use of
two commando groups, fighter aircraft and about 30
helicopters, and certain naval units.
RECEIVED IN
ARCHIVES No.63
3 FEB170/
There
The would
obviously be considerable military activity, including
间
17WD 10/6
"pyrotechnic" explosions.
SECRET
/(b)