and in view of the high political issues involved
we feel that our preliminary approach to the Americans
should be on the highest possible level. I enclose
a note on the facts of our position in respect of
Hong Kong.
In view both of the urgency of action and
the desirability of taking it up with the Americans
at a very high level, it seemed to Colonel Stanley
that the opportunity of Terminal should not be lost
for this purpose, and if this is to be done I must in
the circumstances put it at once to you for your
consideration and in the hope that you may feel it
possible to take action before Terminal disperses.
We shall in any case have to go to the Chinese but
it will be an immense help if we can clear it first
with the Americans.
I have consulted Sargent as to this course
which I am taking in writing to you and I have his
concurrence in doing so. I shall, of course, report
immediately to our new Secretary of State as soon as
he takes office.
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