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BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON
9 February, 1967.
Some weeks ago, when it looked as though we might become involved in an argument with the Americans over naval visits to Hong Kong, I jotted down some arguments (copy enclosed) which I thought all concerned in the Embassy might
The Ambassador draw on, if tackled by Americans on the subject. and the Head of the British Defence Staff (Washington) agreed with them, and they were subsequently incorporated in a confidential circular to consular posts in the United States.
2.
At the same time, the Head of the British Navy Staff in Washington, Rear-Admiral Compston, handed a copy of them to Rear-Admiral Calvert, the Director of the Politico-Military
It subsequently Policy Division of the United States Navy Staff. transpired that the Chief of Naval Operations (C.N.O.), Admiral McDonald, telegraphed the notes in full to the Commander-in- Chief, Pacific, saying that the C.N.O. appreciated our viewpoint entirely and asking for comments.
3.
Admiral Sharp replied that he too was well aware of the British position, which was a most reasonable one, but it was not easy to silence the press and the public relations people, and indeed it was not altogether desirable to do so,
Admiral Sharp since publicity properly used helped morale. undertook to make sure that no ship's names would be publicised as regards operations in North Vietnam waters within thirty days of a visit to Hong Kong. The Pentagon told Admiral Compston that if this ruling were observed, they would consider that they were meeting their part of the agreement (as regards publicity). This seems very satisfactory, and I hope that it will make things easier for you in the future.
4.
I am sending a copy of this letter and its enclosure to Eddie Bolland in the Foreign Office, with an extra copy for transmission to the Commonwealth Office (D.T.D.) if he wishes.
T.A.K.Elliott, Esq.,
Political Adviser,
HONG KONG
(N.C.C.Trench)
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