didates fi
I can't fuel the
た
has
explanations realluring but the point has made s' think.
CONFIDENTIAL
FROM:
DATE:
из
N33/6
CC:
HKA 062/1 R
02J 1993
PS/Mr Goodlad
2 June 1993
Minister
Mr Hum
Mr Morris, HKD
Mr Bunten, HKD
MR GOODLAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: DEFENCE MATTERS
1.
18
As recommended in your minute of 26 May, I expressed concern to the Civilian Adviser to CBF Hong Kong about dealings with the press by members of the garrison when I met him on 29 May.
2.
Mr Baker expressed surprise that this was a matter of concern for us and asked for examples of problems. I ran through those listed in the background to your minute. Mr Baker said that:
- The revelation of Exercise Winged Dragon was a "genuine leak" by an unknown member of the garrison. Unfortunately, it could have happened whatever controls had been in place.
Although
CAPIC was "completely doolally" (please protect). his funding came from CBF, he did not come under CBF in the chain of command. The only way to make sure he did not speak unhelpfully to members of the press, members of the House of Lords etc would be for MOD to send a telegram instructing him not to speak to them without clearance. (You might wish to explore this possibility with your contacts in MOD).
- As for the case of the Brigadier who had leaked the decision to deploy one of the Gurkha battalions to Belize, before ExCo or the Chinese had been informed, this was not a member of the garrison. He was a retired Brigadier with contacts in the Gurkhas who had spoken unwisely during a boat party and been overheard.
3. Mr Baker said he nevertheless understood our concerns and that he would inform CBF that the FCO had found these leaks/press briefings unhelpful. He was sure that CBF would be happy to raise this with his Commanders and urge them to be careful with their dealings with the media and not to make public statements without formal clearance.
6.J. Drey
Greg Dorey
CONFIDENTIAL
19