-3-
might be unable to fulfil. The situation in Hong Kong and Southern China should be kept under close and continuous review, so that this aspect could be
considered.
(iv) We must of course keep the Commonwealth Covernments in the closest touch with our plans for
the reinforcement of the Hong Kong garrison and with the development in United Kingdom policy for meeting the situation in South-East Asia. We should naturally
welcome their support for our stand against any
Communist threat in that area. de should not, however,
propose to stress in any public statement our consultation with other Commonwealth Governments since
this might be open to misinterpretation and give an undue impression that we were preparing for serious
consequences.
The situation is, of course, constantly changing and is under close review here all the time. In particular, we are giving very close and urgent consideration to the question of communications to the Governments of India, Fakistan and Ceylon and we shall probably telegraph
In the meantime it instructions to you in the near future. is important that you should have in your possession the detailed appreciation contained in the enclosed papers so that, if necessary, you will be able to go into action at once if we instruct you later to make an approach to the
Government of India
Fakistan Ceylon