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Reference...
with (37
[ar BaG]
Mr. Laird
2. is
Toyko Tel. No. 156
Have the Japanese sold the pass?
The indications are they have not, but there some ambiguity in the position. The reports in Toyko Tels. No. 135 and 136 reveal that the Japanese Government is fishing for the lines of a compromise, but without committment. A compromise can only result in restraint, but the report at (34) suggests that Mr. Sato has not got Party support. He may therefore get cold feet.
3. The L.D.P. action described in (34) could if true be distinctly counterproductive and increase pressures on Mr. Sato to come to terms with Washington.
6th March, 1970.
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Whenualove
P.R. Spendlove) HONG KONG DEPARTMENT
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