D
SECRET
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Main Building Whitehall London SW1A 2HB
RECEIVED
REGISTRY No.5?
22 AUG 1974
Telephone ******* 218 224+KK 3/518/3
950 02
Head of DS11
Head of Hong Kong Department FCO MO2
D of DF(C)
LAST
REF.
NA
REF.
ふ
Your reference
Our reference D/DS6 34/300/5
Date
21 August 1974
VISIT OF US OF S(ARMY) TO HONG KONG 27-31 AUGUST 1974
1. As a contribution to the briefing of US of S(Army) for his visit to Hong Kong, which it is understood he is making at the request of the Prime Minister, we have been asked by PS/US of S(Army) to provide a short brief on the Defence Review to acquaint the Minister with the present state of play so far as Hong Kong force levels are concerned.
2. It is understood that US of S(Army) will wish to avoid being drawn into any discussion of the Defence Review during his visit and expects that his contacts will be restricted to British military circles, although he is to make a courtesy call on the Governor. It has been thought prudent, however, to include in the brief, a draft of which is attached, some guidance on what could be said should he happen to meet and be questioned by officials or others not privy to HMG's current thinking on the subject.
3. I should be grateful for your clearance or comments by close of play tomorrow, Thursday, I do think we can wait longer than this to see if the Governor's reply comes in.
Enclosure
Copy to:
PS/DUS(P)
AUS (D Staff) AUS(GS)
Head of D35
Head of DS84: Head of Fl(Army) Head of DS22
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SECRET
SECRET
J.C. Marchants.
J C MARCHANT DS6