Sent R.G. Beer to A.H. Reed, 28th March, 1958 (DO 35/8640).
28 Mar 1958
Description:

'MR. REED

I submit a draft telegram in reply to (192). [see DO 35/8640: [Draft letter:] A.H. Reed [CRO] to R.S.P.C.A., [March 1958].]

I doubt whether we shall be able to get a statement from the R.S.P.C.A. in time for it to be of use - if indeed we can get one from them at all. Having regard to the R.S.P.C.A.'s objections to the use of animals for vivisection purposes, it is very unlikely that they will be willing to commit themselves on the question of travelling conditions - they are well aware of the reason for which the monkeys are being imported. I have, however, prepared a skeleton draft letter asking them for the information required; but my personal opinion is that we would do better to let this point go by default rather than run the risk of getting a reply from them which we do not want but may have to make public if our hand is forced.'