Mr Campbell
Seen by SME
TOP SECRET
FS/58/2
COLONIAL SECRETARY
Page 247
PECEIVED
LIVATE OFFICE
6 JAN 1958
SMÈNERES ARENA + BURAYA
(190)
I have seen a copy of the Minister of Defence's
minute to you of January 1 enclosing a draft Defence
Committee Paper on Armed Forces in Hong Kong.
2. I have no comment on the proposals concerning
the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, which I
understand are acceptable to you and to the Hong Kong
Government.
3.
I should, however, be reluctant to see a
reduction in the army garrison at this moment.
Coming
so soon after the closure of the Naval Dockyard, this
would seem likely further to affect morale in the
Colony and to encourage the Chinese to believe that it
is a further step in a phased withdrawal from Hong Kong.
Moreover, as you know, we are at present trying to
interest the Americans in co-operating with us in the
defence of Hong Kong and I fear that they may be less
inclined to do so if they see us reducing our garrison.
4.
I very much hope, therefore, that it will be
possible to reach some agreement to enable the two units
in question to be retained in the Colony for the time
being.
5.
I am sending copies of this minute to the Minister
of Defence and other members of the Defence Committee.
Page 247
TOP SECRET
Selwyn
Lord Page 247 of 283 January 4, 1958