OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES
Cypher (0.T.P.)
TO HONG KONG (Sir A. Grantham)
Sent 26th November 1949.
20.30 hrs.
186
PRIORITY
No. 1700 Secret
Issue of Times of 26th November carries article by Special Correspondent on Troops Welfare in Hong Kong in which following passage occurs
"Once a week unit intelligence officers give all troops not only the letest local operational information but also information on the most recent developments in China and in the rest of the world. In the psychological approach, less stress is now being laid on Hongkong's economic value to the United Kingdom and British responsibility to the local Chinese, and more on the simple fact that as long as there is a Communist Government in China there is a potential threat to Hongkong's status, and that the best protection against this threat is the maintenance of a sizable garrison."
Publication of views in latter portion of extract quoted above is I am sure you will agree, wholly undesirable
It is indeed and quite inopportune at present juncture.
in conflict with present propaganda line vis-a-vis Communist Government. Moreover to advertise a change in a propaganda line (even if it were correct) displays a singular lack of subtlety. You will no doubt take opportunity to mention to Commander British Forces.
Copies sent to:-
Foreign Office
要望
Mr.
Scarlett
Mr. P. D. Coates