This is for from
of the developing social services and other needs. But I would
hope that our own difficult economic situation, together with the
memory of the events of 1967, might lead to a better understanding
of what is after all an obligation of some long-standing by which a
Colony contributes to its own defence.
I have been told about the political difficulties you face on
this issue and fully see that you may need to deploy arguments
locally that may be quite different from those that we shall need to
use to obtain inter-departmental agreement on a revised level of
contribution. Clearly you must take account of the political
realities of the situation in Hong Kong, but we shall need every
penny we can get.
7. Visit by Secretary of State to Hong Kong
I may be visiting Japan for Expo 70 and for talks.
certain all think a short stay in Hong Kong would be useful? it is y team to so to Jubiam furthe annual
talks.
W
Would you
Clearly we should
need to give further thought to this nearer the time.
Background
8.
Conduct of Commercial Relations:
In practice Hong Kong conducts its own commercial relations
over a wide field where its own interests are primarily concerned.
Where issues of international commercial policy are concerned
involving British interests, Hong Kong has exercised a similar
responsibility in full consultation and (as appropriate) association
with us. Recently some conflicts of interest have occurred,
particularly in the field of textiles where Hong Kong's interests
as a major exporter differ from ours as a major importer.
Governor is concerned to ensure that if any such conflict can only be
The
/resolved