as a whole after March, 1971. I mentioned this poubility
point to you when you were over here in October
and I understood you to say that from a
presentational point of view you would not wish
Freated
the cost of the fighter unit to be considered
separately (at any rate in Hong Kong) from that
of the general defence contribution, although
it might have to be negotiated separately
within that contribution.
It would be very
helpful to us in our approach to the Ministry
of Defence if you would say exactly how you
would wish us to deal with this point, and
particularly with the question of the timing of
the actual payment for the fighter unit in
respect of the one year's overlap with the
current defence contribution agreement (March,
1970-March, 1971).
to As regards the capital cost of the
aircraft, the fact that more than half the
proceeds of their sale have to go to America
is one of which we intend to make the fullest
use in pleading your case for a free gift, but
we should appreciate any additional ammunition
with which you can provide us. There can, we
feel, very little chance that the Ministry forego a credit of of Defence can be persuaded to accept the
defence
15
£140,000 as a debit in their budget and it may
well be that we shall have to plead Hong Kong's
cause in other quarters.
(A
Charme regard to
The light ceiling within which they
are required to.
operate)
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