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In discussion the following point was made:
(a)
Page 143.
11.4310154LY
Page
U.K. EYES ONLY
The change in radar equipment need not necessarily
reduce its capacity to handle aircraft.
In further discussion THE COMMITTEE agreed that:
(b)
The Joint Planning Staff should carry out a study on the lines suggested by the Vice Chief of the Imperial General Staff.
THE COMMITTEE:
Page 143Instructed the Joint Planning Staff tPage43 of 154
action as at (a) above.
M.253/95/55
Pe 144 of 154
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WHItehall 9000
Extension 723
Copy No.....
Page 144 97
ADMIRALTY, S.W.1.
th
20 December, 1955.
시
Dear Armitage-Smith,
In reply to your letter No. DEF 75/51/01(TS) of 16th December, I'm afraid there is very little I can add about the discussion on defence of Hong Kong except that it took place at an informal meeting between the First Sea Lord and the C.N.0. during the former's recent visit to the
United States. I gave you the gist of the talk, as reported by the First Sea Lord, in the first three paragraphs of my
a letter of 7th December.
2. As regards the scope of the exercise, we are leaving that for local discussion as they will know what is necessary to make a satisfactory test of the equipment. We feel that
it is essential for the Commander-in-Chief and the Governor to be notified simultaneously of the proposed exercise as neither can really plan or express an opinion on it without consulting the other. Of course if the Governor sees any insuperable objection to the exercise it will be for him and the Commander-in-Chief to represent the matter.
3. We do not mention ministerial approval in our draft out- signal but we agree that this would be necessary if the proposals are clearly beyond what can be designated as normal combined training exercises.
J. N.. A. Armitage-Smith, Esq.,
Colonial Office,
The Church House,
Page 144.54mith Street,
RCD/VM/CCB.11
S.W.1.
Yours sincerely,
Retsimme
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