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SECRET
His concern was to gain acceptance for a settlement in Hong Kong
by preparing the ground over a period of time. He doubted whether
the presentational issues which Mr. Rodgers faced were as severe
as his and suggested that the announcement to be made should say that the two sides were coming together but were not yet in a
position to make a formal statement. He felt that this issue should
be defensible in the House of Commons if it was made clear that
negotiations were still in progress and that a premature announcement, might prejudice their outcome.
16.
C.B.F. asked whether the Governor was prepared to accept
the security risk implicit in moving the RAF from Kai Tak, given
that the need for reinforcement increased with the reduced garrison.
H.E. replied that he did not feel that this valuable site could be left underdeveloped against what was a very remote contingency.
In an emergency the civil air field could be taken over as an
entry point for reinforcement and the empty accommodation at Kai
Tak, while convenient, should not be considered an overriding
factor.
17.
In conclusion it was agreed that it would be necessary to
meet again later in the afternoon. Meanwhile the HK Government
would prepare a draft announcement designed to avoid premature
disclosures.
SECRET
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