OUTWARD TELEGRAM
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FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
TO HONG KONG (Sir R. Black)
Simplex
DEF 75/51/02
Sent 22nd May, 1958.
22.00 hrs.
PRIORITY
TOP SECRET
No.450
243
Your telegram No.425.
Garrison.
Following from Melville.
Begins.
If orders to go ahead can be given shortly one of additional units could probably reach Hong Kong by 8th October.
2.
You emphasised delicacy of approach to Finance Committee. May we assume that Unofficial Members will support your latest proposals? If consultation with them still needed, we see advantage in this taking place now on basis that you have every reason to suppose that your proposals will be acceptable to Ho M. Go
3. Secretary of State will support your views on proper basis for compensation in subsequent discussions on military lands. This point should not (repeat not) however be put to Unofficial Members as it might be misinterpreted as a commitment of H. M. Government. Moreover and more important, if difference of Ministerial views were understood, the revelation would contravene doctrine of collective responsibility of Ministers.
Ends.
Distribution:
Top Secret Automatic
Mr. C.Y. Carstairs
Mr. A. Campbell
Mr. A.J. Fairclough
Mr. E. Melville Mr. W.I.J. Wallace Mr. K.G. Ashtoh
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Cost of telegram
£9. 13. 5d.
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