SECRET
Sir D Watson
kow
5/11
25
PS/Lord Goronwy-Roberts has agreed
DEFENCE REVIEW: HONG KONG
ACSE 25/11
1. The Secretary of State did not accept Lord Goronwy-Roberts's
211/ suggestion of a modified Ministerial statement (Mr Acland's minute of
Flag A
22 November). The Cabinet have therefore today agreed to a passage for the Ministerial statement on 3 December which mentions a
reduction of forces and a greater percentage contribution from Hong Kong.
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2. This will raise a stir in Hong Kong, where the public will dislike the implication that they will have to pay more for less. The Governor asked that, whatever the form of the statement, he should be authorised to give advance notice of it to his Executive Council, which meets on Tuesdays. Because of the time difference, there would, just, be time for him to warn them on the 3rd before the Ministerial statement. But given the nature of the statement, it would obviously be better if he could talk to them gently in advance (warning them of course that they must keep their mouths shut).
3. I accordingly submit a telegram which should go off tonight in order to catch tomorrow's ExCo meeting. To save time we are consulting the Ministry of Defence, Treasury and Cabinet Office simultaneously. The Private Office have advised that this should be approved by Lord Goronwy-Roberts.
25 November 1974
ACSD-
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
ac:
Mr Jackson, Defence Dept.
Mr Thomson
Mr Male
PS/PUS
PS
SECRET
Tel sent for despatch
25/11
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