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5. On the other hand there is the question of British
prestige generally to consider.
moving,
Italians show no signs of
Americans propose to withdraw additional regiment of
marines as early as practicable for reasons set out in para.4
above but earliest they can arrange at present is at the end
of January.
6=
I recommend that return of o reinforcing Indian battal-
ion from Hong Kong sa Singapore to India be deferred until
H.M.Government is satisfied that situation in the Far East
vis a vis Japan will not deteriorate as a result of Sino
Japanese conflict. The availability of Lancashire Fusiliers
at Tientsin for garrison at Hong Kong is always very problem-
atical.
I have not had advantage of consultation with G.0.C.Hong
Kong and Singapore and I know they will add their views as they
desire.
1609/27.
1st Lord.
1st S.I.
2nd S. L.
3rd S.I.
4th S.I
H.
P.C.N.S.
A.C.N.G. (AIR).
A.C.N.S.
FARL. SEC,
CIVIL LORD,
SEC.
NAVAL SHO.
P.A.S. (C). O.D. (3). D.N.I.(3) M.(S
(9) M. 55.
M. 54.
D2 or P.(3).
D.S.D.3.
N.1.D,8.
HYDROG,
Plans (Trade) (2)
Foreign office
Wer office Air Minis uny R.C.(3).
to be sent
by M. Er.