on page 205) is enclosed. The publication date
envisaged for the present supplement (end-September)
will coincide with the opening of British week in
3.
yo.
A request from the Review for a high-level
contribution to an issue on Britain would
probably stand on its merits in any event. The
particular theme proposed appears especially
appropriate. This will be "that Britain has
played a larger part in shaping the history
of Asia than any other Western nation. The
withdrawal of its garrisons from East of Suez
marks the last stage in the retreat from Empire.
The British are now seeking a new relationship with
the region based primarily on an economic and
business partnership. With Britain's considerable
expertise in Asia this development promises to be
a fruitful one The Review will examine in
depth the way in which both Britain and the
region are adjusting to the transition and will
offer an authoritative evaluation of the contribu-
tion which British businessmen are making to
Asia's development". In a period of military
withdrawal, this new emphasis on practical
economic and trade links and growing prospects
N.P.4
seems to us exactly what is wanted. I hope
very much, therefore, that the Prime Minister
•
*
may be able to agree to this request, in which
event we would of course be ready to co-ordinate
the text of the message with the Whitehall
departments involved. The deadline for it is
September 4. The post have asked us to reply
by telegram, so we should be grateful for a
1
/fairly
1
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