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a public speech of this kind, that is of course a matter for the War Office andnot for us.
I am afraid this is rather a discouraging comment and I do not wish to imply that we disagree with most of the views expressed by General Ritchie, though I do not think we would endorse them all.
The lecture as drafted would in fact be a most suitable and interesting lecture to such as the Imperial Defence College but of course the Royal Asian Society audience is public.
Another point which I suggest might be worth looking at is subsequent publicity and it might be worth while to try to take steps to limit this by ensureing that only a very brief summary is published in the Society's Journal and that those present are asked not to communicate with the Press.
I am copying this letter to Pakkin of the Colonial office.
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(R. H. Scott)