TNAG-0476-FCO40-541-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 163

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flow from altering the existing commitments or the provisions we make to meet them. It is hoped that the paper may be of

some long-term value in this respect.

3. The paper has been prepared in consultation with the geographical departments directly concerned, but is now submitted and circulated on a wider basis for further comments and amendments. The final version of the paper will need to be submitted to the DSWP in early May. It is therefore requested that any comments should reach Mr Masefield, Planning Staff (Room K 114, tel. MA 741), not later than close of play on Wednesday, 24 April. Mr Masefield will be responsible for collating comments, and amending the paper as necessary. It is intended to submit it thereafter to FCO Junior Ministers probably in the week beginning 29 April.

LL.

I would draw attention to the point made in the first paragraph of the paper, namely that its primary object is not to argue the case for or against cutting particular commitments. This will be a separate exercise. What the present paper seeks to do is to bring out the points on which decisions will have to be taken either in the event that Ministers decide to alter existing commitments and arrangements or in order to forestall unfortunate political repercussions as a result of speculation before the Defence Review is complete. It would be helpful if any comments could bear this in mind.

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11 April 1974

Copies to:

Mr. M Elliott Sir J Killick Mr Campbell Sir D Watson

Mr Wilford

Mr Aspin

Mr Cable

Mr Hankey

Mr Larmour Mr Weir

J A Thomson

/ Mr Wiggin

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