TOP SECRET
68
Reference..
Mr. Carter
On the 21st I was asked to produce at very short notice a note on military forces requirements for our dependent territories, including Hong Kong. I enclose a photostat copy of this note.
Subsequently on the morning of the 22nd I learnt that although the Treasury had not proposed any reduction in the forces required for the dependent territories, the Foreign Office in their wisdom had proposed the complete removal of the garrison at Hong Kong and of the frigate from the Caribbean and the garrison from British Honduras. They naively said that there might be some political objections to this, but they did not think U.K. commercial interests in the area justified the expense of maintaining military forces in our territories.
I subsequently dictated the further note below which was to be used as a brief for a discussion between Sir Saville Garner and Sir Paul Gore-Booth later on Friday, 22nd.
The Commonwealth Office line is going to be that as the Chancellor has not himself suggested any reduction in dependent territory forces it is not for the Foreign Office to do so. I have registered the papers on HWB 10/9 in case further action is required on this after Christmas.
Mr. Gammara
Gratèque
if you
APH
(H.P. Hall)
22 December, 1967
lue
spoke
Ś sha te
+
check and Conferen
world
Lacemacy of x of
Pr. Hall's neie,
R 1044.
RaRM.
1/1/68
AME
1.168.
ਵਿੱਚ
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.