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(in a year when they had a large surplus), and their final application for a loan was based on their potential financial problems in the mid-70's, an argument which the Overseas Development Administration were administratively unable to accept. However, aid from the UK need not be large. Some assistance towards the cost of Hong Kong's Air Traffic Control system - which could be anything from £1 million upwards - would satisfy local demand and would also be in UK interests since the airport was of vital importance to British Civil Aviation, which controlled landing rights. Sir Stanley Tomlinson doubted whether the ODA would agree that such projects were eligible for loans from them and suggested this would be a matter for Sir Alec to take up with the Chancellor.
13. Sir Murray Maclehose said that UMELCO may raise the need for visas for Japan and explained the substance of his talks with Mr Okada, the Consul General. He thought it would be useful if Sir Alec were to raise this point with Mr Fukuda in Japan as he thought there was at least a chance of making some concession.
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