TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 142

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3. I have not yet seen the final text of the Cabinet paper, which will not be circulated until just before the meeting. contains one or two small factual amendments, but I understand there are no changes in the section on non-NATO commitments even remotely affecting the substance. Insofar as the text may still be unsatisfactory, e.g. over Masirah and Five Power Defence Arrangements, Departments will no doubt wish to consider whether they want to brief the Secretary of State to say anything at the Cabinet meeting on 31 October. Mr Thomson and I will be away in Washington during this week. Mr Westbrook will be co- ordinating briefing material on the non-NATO commitments to be incorporated in a brief to be submitted by Mr McLaren in WOD. I attach for convenience copies of the passages on the brief we gave the Secretary of State for the OPD meeting which concern you.

RogerWestbrook

PP JE Jackson

Defence Dept.

28 October 1974

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