TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 38

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hold the ring. It might, in fact, be possible to achieve this without sending anyone to Hong Kong

specially.. The Hong Kong political desk officer, Mr Dinwiddy, may well be in Hong Kong at the same time in connection with the visit of Lord Goronwy-Roberts. Mr Male will also be in Hong Kong accompanying the Minister. If Mr Dinwiddy could sit in on the meetings, Mr Male would be able to provide a back stop if things get difficult. I will revert to this idea later when the Ministry of Defence's plans are firm.

Dest

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept

20 December 1974

сс

Mr Thomson

Mr Male

Sir D Watson

Since the above was dictated, the Ministry of Defence have decided that their team should go to Hong Kong from 6-10 January, to fit in with RAF flights. This will not coincide with Mr Male's visit. I have therefore suggested to Mr Bryars that I should perhaps go myself. It is also possible that the RAF could carry Mr Dinwiddy as well, thus saving the cost of a commercial flight.

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