TNAG-0436-FCO40-501-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-international-organisations-1973 — Page 82

CONFIDENTIAL

would the Americans be likely to agree. Presumably a valid reason for refusing such a mission would be the absence of any permanent population in the colony. But if the Committee of 24 considered decolonisation to be their business per se and if concern over Anglo-American plans is sustained, then I would think that the Committee might well assert an interest in BIOT. A decision to cooperate in the Committee's work might make it marginally more difficult for us to withstand such pressure.

22 April 1974

сс

Mr Weir

Mr Thomson Mr Campbell

Mr Larmour

Mr Youde

Miss Solesby, UN Dept.

DC Shia

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocea Dept.

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