TNAG-0104-FCO40-140-Discussions-with-Governor-during-his-visits-to-UK-1969 — Page 38

CONFIDENTIAL

19 November, 1969

16

As you suggested, I asked Hugh Norman-Walker for a copy of the Ross Committee Report. This has now been received. I attach a copy of his covering letter: I think you will be interested in the information in the last paragraph.

I have looked into the points you raised about telegraphic communications. The delay in the telegram from Washington is explained in the attached copy of a savingram we sent to Hong Kong which arrived there after your departure.

I am told that repetitions between Bangkok and Hong Kong invariably take two days unless graded FLASH or IMMEDIATE. Both stations use off-line cypher and both start work at 0100 hours GMT. These telegrams do not get through the London night-time repetition machinery in time to reach each other during the same day. You are probably aware that arrangements are afoot to instal on-line cypher between the FCO and Hong Kong. This should greatly accelerate the passage of traffic.

You mention that "I.P.T." telegrams often precede the telegrams they are meant to follow, Regrettably the cause more often than not is that the originator has given incompatible precedence markings. We shall ourselves watch this more closely.

If there are any further points you would like to raise about these matters, we shall be glad to discuss them with you. I suggest that we can do this informally as opportunity offers and I am not therefore putting this down as an item on the agenda for the set meetings.

Finally, I enclose what I hope will be the final edition of the programme and agenda so far as 24-26 November is concerned, I have discussed with you on the telephone the additions to the programme with the exception of a visit to Century House on the 8th December. They have asked if you could call again and I hope you will agree.

You will be glad to know that Mrs. Leach is to be your chauffeuse. She will report for duty in Pall Mall at 10.15 a.m. on the 24th.

Sir David Trench, GCMG.,

MC.

(W. S. Carter)

CONFIDENTIAL