Cypher
IMMEDIATE SECRET No.203
SECRET
OUTWARD TELEGRAM
FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (The Secretary of State)
TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)
Sent 31st January, 1967. 23.12 hrs.
Addressed to Governor Hong Kong Repeated IMMEDIATE to Peking
1#
to POLAD, Singapore.
Exercise Caricature.
We understand that this exercise is to take place in Hong Kong from 13th-23rd February and that it involves use of 2 marine Commandos from Singapore, one Hong Kong battalion, helicopters and supporting aircraft and ships.
From information available here about nature of exercise it appears that it would involve a two day "battle" against insurgents organised by communist neighbour.
2.
In view of internal developments in China, recent delicate situation in Macao and Chinese reactions to recent American naval visits to Hong Kong we have very grave doubts about the wisdom of proceeding with this exercise and consider that a decision to proceed would require ministerial approval.
3.
Grateful for your urgent comments and for any additional information you can provide on nature of exercise.
(Encyphered groups passed to D.S.A.0. for
repetition Peking and POLAD Singapore,
Gopies sent to:-
Foreign Office
#1
Ministry of Defence
(A.R.E. (b))
LAST
R-r
-
Mr. de la Mare
Mr. Bolland
NEA
Mr. Henn
REF.
2
SECRET
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