TNAG-0022-FCO40-58-Facilities-for-US-Forces-1968 — Page 22

Er. Wilkinson

Er. Syken

(Defence Dept.)

Mr. Gaminara

(Hong Kong

Dept., C.0.)

CONFIDENTIAL

1245

U.S. NAYAL VISITS TO HONG KONG

FLAG

PROBLEM

246) said that I had sent

FLAD

In paragraph 10 of my submission of 31 July (attached), I

said that I had sent a personal telegram to the Political Adviser

in Hong Kong (also attached) asking whether, in view of the situa-

tion over exit visas for our Mission in Peking the visit of the

attack carrier "America", scheduled for 10-16 August, could be

switched with the visit of the "St. Paul", a oruiser scheduled for

20-27 August, as the latter was likely to be less controversial in

Chinese eyes.

The Political Adviser has replied (Hong Kong tele-

FLAC gram No. 949) that such a switch would entail too drastic a revi-

6

1248

Rx8

sion of American plans, and that a postponement would not be

possible. The only alternative therefore would be cancellation

which would cause great disappointment.

RECOMMENDATION

2. I recommend that, provided the general recommendations in my earlier submission are approved, the visit by "America" be allowed

to stand.

CONFIDENTIAL

../ ARGUMENT