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Parliament might ask a question about it
or try to initiate a debate.
10. It cannot be denied that Hong Kong
could afford to pay a contribution of
£8.5 million per annum (and over a period
of 7 years instead of 5 years an even higher
figure might reasonably be expected).
The
Colony benefits appreciably both economically
and in terms of public confidence from the
presence of the garrison. The realities
of the situation are such however that we Geben
at no ope of
are most unlikely to obtain a contribution
of more than £7.5 million per annum unless
such a contribution is imposed and the
consequences of such a course could be
very serious indeed.
RECOMMENDATION
11. I consider that the Governor's proposals
represent the best terms on which we may
hope to reach a settlement with Hong Kong
without having to impose a contribution on
the Colony. I accordingly recommend that
the attached draft be approved for
consideration at the DOPC meeting planned
for next week.
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