Sir L. Monson
'
Reference.
will I
Copies to:-
Mr. Combs
Mr. Gallaher
Mr. Wade-Geryl (FPAD)
Mr. Crosthwaite (ATD)
Kai Tak Airport:
Brief for Secretary of State
I submit a draft brief on Kai Tak airport, for the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong commencing on Friday 17th April.
2.
As you are aware, Lord Shepherd declined to make an approach on this issue to Ministers in the Treasury, ODM and Board of Trade. He
feared that to do so might prejudice the F.C.O. position over aid for other territories which
are not so well off as Hong Kong. I think these fears are probably well grounded. The climate
is not propitious for a decision involving the allocation of "new money"; if Ministers decided
that we ought to support the project the pressure would be on to find the money from the Aid programme and, just as likely, from the enlarged allocation that we hope to make available for dependent
territories.
3.
}
For the reasong, given in para. 10 of the background notes, I do not think we could answer Hong Kong's request with a flat refusal. And I would like to think that our own interests
are so strongly involved in this project that in more propitious times we would be more fav- ourably disposed to support it. I therefore suggest that we do not close the door completely and in effect postpone a final decision.
4. I am sending copies of this minute and enclosur to Mr. Combs, Mr. Gallaher, Mr. Wade-Gery (FPAD) and Mr. Crosthwaite (ATD). Since there is little
time for an exchange of views you may consider
that it would be better to finalise the brief
in a short meeting.
(W.S. Carter)
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT