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of argument in para 15 of their memorandum
you may say that we do not consider that a
hypothetical issue of this nature should form
any part of the current negotiations. You
VALE
should add however that if the economy of
Hong Kong were to suffer such a serious adverse
change that the continued payment of a con-
tribution of £8.5 million could be shown to be
an unreasonable burden on the Colony's
finances, HMG would always be willing to
consider any representations Hong Kong might
wish to make on the matter.
13. I appreciate the difficulties to which the
Unofficial Members referred in para 16 of their
memorandum. My colleagues and I face similar
difficulties here. We must be able to justify
in Parliament and elsewhere that any defence
contribution from Hong Kong is as much as can
reasonably be expected in the light of the
financial and economic situation both in the
Colony and in the UK.
14. Please address any further tels, on this subject
MANNCA
in normal manned
INDIVIDUAL
'and not to incwrdured officers.
(have 134 yourte N=144 rfers)
ys.
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