TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 181

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SECRET

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENT AND WHATEVER THE DECISION ON THE TIMING OF CONSULTATIONS WITH YOU, TO SEND A FORMAL MESSAGE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT INDICATING WHEN OUR CONSULTATIONS WITH THEM ARE LIKELY TO BE? SHOULD THERE ALSO BE ANY PUBLIC INDICATION OF THIS?

6. OFFICIALS WILL BE REPORTING TO MINISTERS ON THESE MATTERS ON 23 OCTOBER. WE SHALL NEED YOUR COMMENTS WELL BEFORE THEN, BUT THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARIES' STEERING COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE MEETING ON 17 OCTOBER AND IF WE CAN HAVE YOUR COMMENTS BEFORE 1800Z ON 16 OCTOBER, THIS WILL ENABLE US TO BRIEF THE PUS.

7. THERE IS NO OBJECTION TO YOUR DISCUSSING ALL THIS WITH CBFHK ON A PERSONAL BASIS.

CALLAGHAN

FILES HD OF HKIOD

HD OF DEFENCE D PS

PS/PUS

SIR D WATSON

MR THOMSON

MR MALE

MR WILFORD

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COPIES TO:

MR HOCKADAY MOD

CDRE PEROWNE

D OF DP (C) MOD

MR SMITH

CABINET OFFICE