TNAG-1312-FCO40-1687-Future-of-Hong-Kong-views-and-involvement-of-Australia--Cana-1984 — Page 125

9.

also be puzzled that Australia probably had no more ability to patrol the vulnerable parts

of its coast, nor to defend itself, than was possessed in say 1911. As defence fears and

hopes had been one of the main reasons for creating the Commonwealth, their

puzzlement, today, would be acute. *

*

These are my private views. While they are based partly on my experience as chairman of the Australia China Council since 1979, and partly on my own attitudes as an historian, they do not represent government policy or thinking.

GNB:EAC #28: China 29.11.83/0 1.12.83

:heatrey Blainey