TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 170

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told anything about these plans during the process of discussions.

I wonder whether you would think it wise to suggest that as a follow up to these rather brutal telegrams the PUS might be asked if he would be willing to send a personal letter to all Governors explaining very briefly why these extensive non-NATO cuts are unavoidable and emphasising that although the deployment of HM Forces will become much less scattered, the commitment to the external defence of the Dependencies has nevertheless been continued and confirmed. The PUS might like to add an expression of his own belief which I have heard him voice at a meeting of Heads of Departments in the Office, that no British Government would ever find it politically possible to go back on that commitment.

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15 November 1974

Copied to: Mr Larmour Mr Westbrook (Defence Dept) Mr Preston (Caribbean Dept) Mr Stuart (HKIOD)

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W TA Cox

West Indian and Atlantic

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