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7. HMG are in entire sympathy with the
desire of the Unofficial Members faithfully
to discharge their duties to the general
public of Hong Kong. HMG are concerned
only to ensure that any contribution from Hong
Kong towards the cost of the Garrison is
reasonable in the light of the financial
and economic situation both in the Colony
and in the UK. They have concluded that
the figure of £8.5 million is the minimum
that could be so justified.
8. HMG would like to think that the
relationship between Britden and Hong Kong
is not one which can or should be viewed in
terms of the advantages or disadvantages
accruing to either party, but as a
relationship which has been developed over
the years and which, despite inevitable
differences of opinion and occasional clashes
of interest, works for the ultimate benefit
of both parties. It is true that in the
last resort HMG are in a position to impose
a contribution by the use of the official
majority in the Legislative Council.
But
Ministers share the dislike of the Unofficial
Members for such aw approach and would
certainly have no desire whatever to adopt
it unless no acceptable alternative course
remained open to them.
Ends.
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