CO537-5000 — Page 86

Tel. No.: Vhitehall 7000

(161)

TOP LECRET

ΤΟ

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE,

REVERENCE: C.O.S 1339/6/9/9

сая

Dear Higham.

166

STOREY'S GATE,

S.W.1

6th September, 199

Auswa

167

The Chiefs of Staff have instructed me

to obtain the approval of the Colonial Office to the enclosed draft reply, which has been prepared in answer to the telegram (SEACOS 959) from the

British Defence Co-ordination Committee, Far East, requesting approval for certain steps to be

taken with regard to the problem of the defence of Hong Kong against internal unrest or external aggression.

You will remember that at their meeting on Friday, the Chiefs of Staff agreed with the proposed plan from a military point of view, but considered that no moves should actually take place until Ministerial approval had been obtained.

You will appreciate that in order to go ahead with the planning of these moves it is essential that we send an answer to the B.D.C.C. as soon as possible. I should be glad therefore, if you could inform me as soon as possible of Colonial Office approval.

J.D. Higham, Esq., Colonial Office.

Yours sincerel CR Price

TOP SECRET