TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 187

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From:

134

Mr. A.P. Hockaday, CMG, SECRET

Deputy Under-Secretary of State (Policy and Programmes)

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

MAIN BUILDING, WHITEHALL, LONDON, S.W.I

DUS (P)367/74

Telephone:

01 - 218

2135

(Direct Dialling)

01 - 218 9000 (Switchboard)

11th October, 1974.

See new tel to HK

3/A

14/10

Sir Duncan Watson, KCMG

Foreign and Commonwealth Office GIST; N

London, SW1.

Dear Duncan

14/10

RLC

15 OCT 1974

JKK 10/9

HONG KONG

The enclosed letter reflects the outcome of the discussions about the future level of our forces in Hong Kong which the Chief of the Defence Staff has recently held with CBF Hong Kong during the latter's visit to the United Kingdom.

2. As you will know, it was felt in Howard Smith's sub-committee this morning that the Governor's views should be sought urgently_about the timing and form of the first approaches to the Executive Council in the light of what we now feel about force levels and costs. I know that you want to get a telegram off to Murray MacLehose as soon as possible; but I must ask you to hold fire until my enclosed letter to you has been seen by the Chiefs of Staff. I can undertake by noon on Monday to give you this clearance or to let you know if any problems have arisen.

3.

I am copying this letter to Howard Smith, John Thomson, and Frank Hall.

Your evv

SECRET

A. P. HOCKADAY.