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This question of the possible "provocative" effect on the Chinese Communists of statements that we were proposing to reinforce Hong Kong has been very present to the minds of Ministers at all the discussions which have taken place on this subject. It was also mentioned in the conversation between Sir A. Grantham and Mr. Alexander as reported in Hong Kong telegram No. 568 (attached).
There has also been some discussion of this question in relation to a question which has been put down for Mr. Alexander to answer on Wednesday 22nd June, as to which see the attached copy of a minute which I have sent to Mr. Watson.
Although this question has to be answered on Wednesday (i.e. before the Cabinet meeting on Thursday at which the question of Hong Kong will again be considered) it is almost certain that it will be raised at that Cabinet. I cannot there- fore see that any very useful purpose would be served by its being debated in the J.I.C. on Friday. If it is raised at that meeting the discussion will no doubt be governed by what will have been said in Parliament on Wednesday and in the Cabinet on Thursday.
?J.J.P.
20 June 49.
6-11-29/6
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