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likely to arise both in order to demonstrate our determination to act firmly and so that there would be no delay in bringing in reinforcements if trouble arose, thus permitting their further exacerbation. One possible solution, if any units in Hong Kong were due for relief, might be to bring the relicving unit into Hong Kong before the out-going one left so that both were present over the period of Chinese celebrations in October.
Summing up the discussion, THE CHAIRMAN recalled that Ministers had been inclined to feel that prevention was better than cure. The Ministry
of Defence should consult the Foreign Office and Commonwealth Office when
the Commander-in-Chief's reply had been received and should keep the
Treasury informed of developments.
The Working Party ·
Invited the Ministry of Defence to concert with the Commonwealth Office and Foreign Office action on the possible reinforcement of the Hong Kong garrison, and to keep the Treasury informed.
Cabinet Office, S.W.1.
7th September 1967
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