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55 copies.
(THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S
GOVERNMENT)
CMV(67) 5
Dates 8h June 1967
COPY NO
•
VISITS OF CÒMMONWEALTH MINISTERS TO
DISCUSS FAR EAST DEFENCE, JUNE 1967
HONG KONG
3.
In the context of the discussions abent-reductions In our Far Eastern forces,
The Austráḥains are bennot To ask about the streng12
of the inclitary forces we intend to keep in
Hong Kong
The Prime Minister has indicated that he would
prefer to express his appreciation personally to Mr. Holt
for the action taken by the Australians in recent wheat
negotiations with China in support of our position in
Hong Kong (Commonwealth Office telegram No.1149 to Canberra).
This would be a suitable starting point for any discussion
on Hong Kong. The exchanges with the Australians on this
question indicate that they will in this context ask about
our policy on trade with China if the Chinese continue to
make trouble for us in the Colony.
2.
They will also be interested in our assessment of:-
(a) the present situation in the Colony;
(b) future Chinese intentions towards it;
(c) our prospects of maintaining our position
there.
Talking Points
30 They may bring up the question of the evacuation of
their intelligence staff in Hong Kong.
Trade with China
BACKGROUND NOTE,
**i. At the height of the disturbances in Hong Kong an
Australian delegation was in the Colony negotiating a new
wheat deal with China (2 million tons). We asked the
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