CONFIDENTIAL
were not able to dominate Hong Kong waters. But again he 'was anxious that his professional advisers should have the
opportunity to explain the arguments in greater detail.
7. The Governor asked the Minister of State about the timing and procedure adopted for the Defence Review with particular reference to consultation. Minister of State explained that
he had visited the Far East for discussions with our partners in the Five Power Arrangements since these arrangements had been singled out for special mention in Secretary of State's statement announcing the Defence Review. He expected that the Cabinet would be considering the Defence Review towards the end of July and that between then and the end of September there would be a period set aside for formal consultations with allies which would include Hong Kong. Minister of State said that his personal expectation was that a Minister from the FCO or MOD would visit Hong Kong during this period for discussions with the Governor and with his Executive and Legislative Council. Minister of State said that he expected decisions to be announced in a White Paper towards the end of October or early November (supposing that a General Election in the United Kingdom did not supervene).
8. Finally, the Governor said that the press would undoubtedly question him on his return to Hong Kong and ask whether he had had consultations in London on the Defence Review. Minister of State said that it was difficult to judge the line that the Governor should take and the FCO would no doubt wish to advise on this point. However, he thought that he should say that he had not had any formal consultations in London, although the Defence Review had obviously been mentioned in his discussions with Ministers and officials. Minister of State suggested that in speaking to the press the Governor could say that UK Ministers had not yet considered the options in the Defence Review and far less had they taken decisions.
18 June 1974
CONFIDENTIAL
}
7.2.69
(DE YOUNG)
PS/Minister of State
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