DDE 18.77
Mr Thompson
Reference
HKK oba 15.51 #сковор
1-FER 1978
DESK OF
INDEX
No
A
HONG KONG AND BRUNEI
1.
28
Mr Norbury (MOD) has now replied to Mr Stewart's letter of 7 February asking about the reinforcement of Hong Kong after a possible "worst-case solution" with Brunei. Mr Norbury maintains that there is "no risk of a hiatus occurring" over the reinforcement of Hong Kong, as MOD have always envisaged reinforcing the Colony from the United Kingdom after the withdrawal of the Brunei Battalion.
2.
Mr Norbury suggests that, if we wish to discuss this question further, we should do so in person. This seems
reasonable.
3. Given Mr Murray's continuing concern about the possibility of a "worst-case solution" with Brunei (minute attached) we are obliged to take some action. I recommend that you should telephone Miss Bennett, in view of her apparent seniority, and arrange a meeting at which you could express our fears about this potential problem and ask the MOD to prepare detailed plans for the contingency posited by Mr Murray.
4.
I would add that I have already raised the "worst-case solution" issue with Miss Bennett, in person and on the telephone, and that she does not seem to feel that it is a serious problem in view of the contingency plans which already exist in MOD and the extreme improbability of a "worst-case solution" actually occurring.
17 February 1978
CR V Stagg
Hong Kong and General Department K245
233-4777
34