CONFIDENTIAL
preparation of public opinion on records which are
to be released.
(c) That in cases of doubt Hong Kong Department should,
provided it is agreed by the Head of LRD and Legal Advisers, refer the papers in question to Hong Kong.
(d) That (a), (b) and (c) above be placed before the
Governor of Hong Kong when he calls on the Chief Clerk next Monday morning (21 January) to discuss the safe-keeping of records relating to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Department concur.
BACKGROUND
A 3.
A Cabinet Office document C.C.29(54) released on 2 January 1985 reveals that after a Cabinet discussion the Governor of Hong
Kong was to be informed that no immediate action would be taken
to reduce the garrison, that the matter would be reviewed after the Geneva Conference, and that in the meantime no hint should be given that any reduction was contemplated. However, the document also reveals that in fact the decision to reduce the garrison to the level needed for internal security purposes had been taken the previous day by the Defence Committee.
B
4.
The Governor of Hong Kong has reported (Hong Kong telegram no 28) local media allegations that the document shows that
Sir Winston Churchill had secretly decided to 'abandon the defence of Hong Kong' (a notable overstatement) and that the decision was
so sensitive that even the Governor was not told. This release
comes at an awkward time in Hong Kong when Umelco is sensitive about the extent of consultation with Hong Kong.
5.
The Governor has pointed out that even where documents are released preparation of public opinion may be necessary and has
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/asked
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