CO537-3707 — Page 218

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE

but so long as full jurisdiction can be retained over our own territory, control can be exercised as necessary.

Transfer of jurisdiction would undoubtedly be embarrassing since it would give greater opportunities for espionage and sedition and little or no control could be exercised over the native Press. Political kidnapping would be a distinct possibility.

For these reasons, the Chiefs of Staff consider, and I agree, that it would be inconsistent with military requirements to accede to the Chinese request.

I am sending a copy of this letter to the Foreign Secretary.

Yours sincerely,

AV-Alexander

نے