Dd. 32855 Ed (4200)
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
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7 -
Anything else would be a pis aller involving
possibly disastrous consequences for us.
10. If my colleagues agree with the line I have set out I believe that officials should be
instructed to review the situation annually
reporting to us. If we are to negotiate with the Chinese, then I believe the sooner this can
be started the better so as to avoid the crisis of confidence referred to in paragraph 5 (b). On
the other hand any hint of a negotiation at an
unpropitious time could precipiate the very
crisis we seek to avoid and will thus need to be very carefully timed.
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Sir L. Monson