From The Minister of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London S.W.1
30 September, 1969.
I understand that during your recent visit to Hong Kong a matter of some delicacy was raised and that you may have been dissatisfied with the Governor's explanation.
If this is something which is still troubling 'you, I wonder if we could have a word about it during
the spill-over.
(SHEPHERD)
To Lord Blytön
Mr. Gafniara
This will wied to be brought up
about
ди
be 9.10,69
ви
2010, 69.
return to the U.LT.
an Oclicker when Lard Shepherd
is due to
Lose
2/10
་
From The Minister of State
ལ
EAST
REF
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
London S.W.1
30 September, 1969.
As Hong Kong is one of my special responsibilities I should very much welcome an opportunity to have a talk with you about your recent visit to the Colony and to learn of your experiences.
If you are agreeable to this, would you be good enough to get in touch with my Private Secretary on 930-8440, extension 729 and let him know what times and dates would be convenient
to you.
G
(SHEPHERD)
J. Harper Esq., M.P. House of Commons.
fora
Mr. Wilford
TOP SECRET
EVACUATION: HONG KONG
m.
т. вали
G
We spoke орон
4/10
Flag
Flag
76/6
See now
renses
Problem
The Governor of Hong Kong has reported (Hong Kong Top Secret
Telegram No.754) that in discussions with a group of Peers and
Members of Parliament (list attached) who are visiting the Services
in Far East Command the subject of evacuating British subjects from
Hong Kong in the event of a Chinese take-over was raised. The
Governor was unable to avoid giving the answer that no evacuation
plans existed. While most members of the party appeared satisfied
with the Governor's explanation of this situation, Lord Blyton is
said to have been clearly dissatisfied. There is perhaps a danger
that he may publicly voice his dissatisfaction, in Parliament or
possibly elsewhere, and that other members of the party may discuss
the matter outside the very limited circles to which it has so far
been confined. The Governor has suggested that we might move to
counter this danger on the party's return here.
recommendation
Recommendation
2. I recommend that Lord Shepherd should telephone Mr. Harper,
the leader of the group, on Monday 29 September and, if possible,
see him on that day (or as soon as possible) with a view to conveying
in pootscript to him the dangers of airing the evacuation issue publicly and to §13,14. requesting his assistance in passing on this advice to other members
Mw.
Flag
of the group.
Background
3. At a meeting of the Defence and Overseas Policy Committee on
21 September, 1967, Ministers considered a memorandum by the
Commonwealth Secretary on contingency planning for an emergency
HWA 1/4 100
/ evacuation
...
TOP SECRET