216
SPECIAL
09.50 hrs.
24 MAR 1958. SECTION
(203)
Following for Macpherson.
(208Your telegram No.205.
It will inevitably be some time before we can assemble the estimates and information sought in your telegram, but the work is in hand and I shall reply on this aspect of the matter when the information is available. In the meantime I have had further consultation with C.B.F. and it is now clear that whatever the merits of the proposed deal may be, it cannot and will not,lead to an early decision on the provision of the additional units. Both the C.B.F. and I are satisfied that the presence of the se units in Hong Kong is absolutely necessary in view of the precarious internal security situation that will exist during the next two years, by reason of the drastic reduction in the garrison and the tensions to which we are liable at any time, particularly those inherent in the rundown of the naval dockyard. I am also satisfied that we must have the se units early.
2.
Our efforts ending with my personal appeal in my telegram No.97 have manifestly failed and I am forced to conclude that we can only obtain these essential units in acceptable time if this Government will make a cash contribu- tion to their support. I propose, therefore,
I propose, therefore, subject to your agreement, to approach Finance Committee with proposals for a special contribution, without prejudice to any final settlement of the lands deal, which can then proceed at the pace which is inevitable in such complicated negotiations.
3.
You will appreciate that this approach to Finance Committee will be one of extreme delicacy and it is not to be supposed that the discussion will necessarily succeed, or that it will conclude without reference to H.M.G.'s obligations and absolute responsibility for the defence of this colony and hence to the justification for the levy now proposed.
I shall,
of course, not volunteer information as to the extent of the reduction in the garrison, but, if I am questioned, as I expect to be, I think it would be both unwise and dangerous to attempt to conceal the truth. I would try to dwell as far as possible on the proposed increment to our strength to meet the dangers of the dockyard situation, about which unofficial opinion is considerably exercised.
凵。
coming
9
Provided that Finance Committee approval is forth-
the following are the conditions that should in my view be clearly understood and accepted by H.M.G. and the Hong Kong Government:
Page 204
/(aPage 204 of 283
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.