for her special problems; as indicating an indifference to the
special ties and relationship which should subsist between a Colony
and the responsible power. This project in which our interests are
so greatly involved is an ideal vehicle for making the kind of
gesture of support and assistance that is needed.
31. If we do not contribute and leave Hong Kong to shoulder the
full development proposals alone, it can be expected that relations
with the Colony will remain difficult in the aviation field where
Hong Kong will be increasingly inclined to contest our right to have
the final say in the disposal of traffic rights at Kai Tak.
32.
To sum up.
The case against assistance for this project rests
on our present difficult economic situation and the need to restrict
overseas expenditure, viewed against the buoyant stage of Hong Kong's
economy and finances. The case for contributing to the project is
that only by this means can we ensure that our considerable aviation
interests at Kai Tak are fully maintained and accepted by the
Hong Kong Government; and that it will bring certain political
benefits of importance for our relations with the Colony and the
maintenance of our position there.
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