CO537-4999 — Page 182

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between Australia and United Kingdom Governments on joint action

in defence matters in Indian or Western Pacific Oceans;

if so

whether any agreements or understandings had emerged concerning

collaborative action to safeguard Commonwealth interests there

and to what effect and, if so, whether Australian Government had

any obligation to offer aid in defence of Hong Kong; and finally

whether Australian Government would discuss with United Kingdom

Government whether Australian aid in defence of Hong Kong would be

advantageous and, if so, in what form.

Copy to:-

Foreign Office

Colonial Office Admiralty Air Ministry War Office (M.0.2) M/Defence

Mr. M.E.Dening Mr. P.W.S. Y.Scarlett Far East. Dept. (3) Mr. J.C.Morgan Head of Watch (4) Regy. Tels. (4) Lt.Col. M.Field Sir M. Dean Brig. C. R. Price