DECRET
10.
HW B10/6
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Vr. Muckillissa
Hong Kong: ¿xercise Caricature
Your minute of 6th February to Mr. Reed,
2. The Chiefs of Staff yesterday decided to
cancel the exercise, after hearing the views of
the Foreign and Commonwealth Offices.
They did
so rità grest reluctance since from a purely
military point of view it was un important one.
3. Some military value could still be derived
if the forces isvolved were to be sllowed
proceed to Hong Kong for minor treining setivities
and rest and recreɛtion (as envisaged in the last
sentence of pare.9 of H.K. telegren No.153).
agreed to axplore this possibility with the Governor,
Hong Kong, and Charge d'Affaires in Foking (0.0. tel.
No.241 to Hong Kong) and the Governor ķes replied
that he sees no objection (H.K. telegram 30.173).
Te avait Peking's reply.
4. If there is a favourable reply from Peking vo
propose, s.bject to further consult tion with the
Foreign Office, to agree to this compromiss.
From
the point of view of boosting local morele (shɛkon
by events in eco and by defence cuts) there is
much to commoni & visit by thoes forces at the
present timo. It was the scemario" of the exercise
end the consequent pitch of military eativity, rather
than the presence in Hong Kong of
forces
involved, that led to our doubts about Chinese
resctions,
(". S. Carter)
Hong Kong & Heat Indiam
'c' Departeent
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