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take steps which are virtually certain to provoke a propaganis attack at a time when the Far Eastern situation is particularly serious; and, moreover, to give them" (the Central Peoples Goverment) "a handle on a matter regarding which they have been noticeably silent in recent months”. You will remember that the Secretary of State EX_Tessed somewhat similar fears when you discussed the constitution issue with him on the 5th July last. Nosâless to say, we here are very conscious of the force of the argument referred to at the conclusion of paragraph 3 of the Foreign Office letter, but since we discussed the matter with you the situation in Korea and the Far East generally has changed considerably for the worse, and, we should like to be sure that you still feel that despite this we should go ahead with constitutional reform, or whether you recommend that we should face the various difficulties and disadvantages which further postponement would no doubt involve.
(J.J. PASKIN)