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THIS DOCUMENT IS THE PROPERTY OF HER BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT
The circulation of this paper has been strictly limited.
It is issued for the personal use of
MrWS Carter
14)
OPDO(DR)(69)1
8 January, 1969
CABINET
DEFENCE AND OVERSEA POLICY (OFFICIAL) COMMITTEE
DEFENCE REVIEW WORKING PARTY
52
Copy No.
....
HONG KONG: LONG TERM STUDY
(Note by Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
Attached is a revised version of the draft report circulated under OPDO (DR) (68)5(Revise) of 23 April, 1968.
2. The earlier draft was seen by the Governor of Hong Kong in May. In the course of subsequent discussions with the Governor, the Commonwealth Secretary instructed that the study should take full account of the Governor's views. The exchanges thereupon initiated with the Governor were continued in June/July by an official visiting Hong Kong and in October when the Governor returned to the United Kingdom on leave. Sir Donald Hopson, formerly Charge d'Affaires in Peking, was also consulted when he came out of China in August. The attached draft takes full account of their views.
3. There has been substantial revision of Sections E (Chinese Attitude and Intentions) and G (Withdrawal), the former being brought up to date in the light of more recent developments in China and of the present state of Sino-British relations. Section H (The Worst Case) is new. Small changes have been made in Sections A-D and F.
4. Other departments have not been consulted on these changes, with the sole exception of paragraphs 17-19 and Conclusion (a) of the report which, in their amended form, have been agreed with the Ministry of Defence. Departments may wish to comment on the revised report, but it should be noted that any amendments of substance to Sections E, G and H would raise particular difficulty since these sections represent the result of close consultation with the Governor of Hong Kong and Sir Donald Hopson.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
8 January, 1969
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