HKK 10/1
Hong Kong Department
15 April, 1969
I am replying to your letter DS11/12/23 of 31 March which was waiting for me on my return from leave yesterday.
Hong Kong is a Crown Colony for whose internal administrative and external defence Her Majesty's Government are entirely responsible. In fact, however, the Government of Hong Kong makes a very substantial annual financial contribu- tion towards the costs of the Garrison maintained in the Colony by Her Majesty's Government; it also maintains the Royal Hong Kong Defence Force which consists of the Hong Kong Regiment and the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, the costs of both of which it meets in full.
It has already been stated in Parliament, on a number of occasions, that because of Hong Kong's special position it cannot be likened to any other of our dependent territories and there can be no constitutional development towards independence.
I hope that the above information will be sufficient to enable you to reply to Mr. James' letter. If you require any further information you will no doubt let me know.
M. J. Budds, Esq.,
Ministry of Defence,
Main Building, Whitehall,
LONDON, S.W.1.
PA
inju.
(A. W. Gaminara)
Chard with M' Wilson FIRD
15/4.