CO537-4999 — Page 171

7.

We should be able to obtain strong statements of support from at least the majority of the other Commonwealth Prime Ministers. It would be important, particularly in relation to the older Commonwealth countries, that wo should make clear our intentions of defending Hong Kong and our ability to do so. If they are to be asked to support our policy by public statements, they must know exactly what the full impli- cations of that policy are. The attitude of the different members of the Commonwealth varies and it may be convenient to deal with the countries individually.

8.

Australia and New Zealand. Australia and New Zealand are the Commonwealth countries most directly affected and incidentally are the only ones who are likely to be able and willing to send material help at an early stage. feel that their own security was directly threatened by the

They would loss of Hong Kong and both are likely to support a robust policy on our part. The Prime Minister of New Zealand has already sent a message saying that the possible fate of Hong Kong is a matter of immediate moment. He has said that a second expul- sion from this area at this particular time could not fail to have the most damaging consequences and he has asked to be informed of the present position and of the plans which have been drawn up for the effective defence of Hong Kong. High Commissioner at Canberra has also reported that the general

Our comment in Australia has been that Australia is vitally con- cerned in the retention of Hong Kong and must support a firm United Kingdom policy there. At the same time there is in Australia the background of Malaya in the last war with the arrival of the Australian troops in time to become Japanese prisoners of war. Our High Commissioners in Canberra and Wellington have already been asked to communicate the apprecia- tion in C. P. (49) 100 to the Australian and New Zealand Govern- ments. It is recommended that this should now be followed up by an early approach to the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand, letting them know fully the considerations of policy set out above and informing them of the action we ourselves propose to take by way of further military reinforcements. this approach we would seek their support for our general policy, with a view to making, at the appropriate moment, any requests for material assistance which are recommended in the separate paper which is being submitted by the Minister of Dofonce.

9.

In

Canada and South Africa. The general attitude of Canada and South Africa to a policy on the lines proposed is likely to be similar to that of Australia and New Zealand, though both Canada and South Africa are less directly affected and, for different reasons, would not be likely to send material help. Both are, however, likely to support a policy of resistance to aggression and both would be powerfully impressed by the need to resist the Communist threat. It may be hoped therefore that both Canada and South africa would give strong moral support to our policy.

10.

There is a particular consideration, however, in the case of Canada. The fate of Canadian troops in Hong Kong in the last war has still not been forgotten and this remains a subject of controversy in the Canadian Parliament, where Mr. Drew, the Leader of the Opposition, has been at pains to keep the issue alive. The Canadian General Election is due on 27th June and the Canadian Government may be reluctant to make any public statement while electioneering is still on. On the other hand, if the United States were to agree to support our policy, Canada would find it much casier to do so.