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well advanced and no clear idea about the implications of the counter-vailing visit to Russia which, in the worst case, could cause us considerable problems in terms of finding the right ships at the right time. I realise that this might not be easy for you; but I am sure you will agree that it is important for both Departments to have a clear idea of the whole picture before we submit to Ministers.
6. For the record, we agreed that you would take the lead in recommending the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary to minute the Defence Secretary explaining in some detail the political arguments for a deployment to China. The visit to Russia could perhaps be dealt with in the same exchange. If it would help, we should be glad to contribute to the drafting of your submission to Lord Carrington once you have considered the points mentioned above. Indeed, it would I believe be useful for us to keep in close touch about its content so that we can brief our Secretary of State appropriately when the time comes.
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Your sincerely,
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