NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
CONFIDENTIAL
(4)
(5)
(6)
confidence upon which the whole economy of
the Colony depends.
A substantial proportion of the contribution
is in respect of capital works which will
revert to the Hong Kong Government when
no longer required by Her Majesty's
Government.
The amount agreed upon for the Colony's
contribution represents no greater proportion
of the total costs of the garrison than
did the previous contribution negotiated
in 1966. It is considered to be a fair
and reasonable contribution in all the
circumstances.
Even after allowing for the Colony's
contribution towards the costs of the
garrison, Her Majesty's Government still
have to meet the remainder of the costs
which amount to some £ 18 million per
annum. This represents a very substantial
form of aid to Hong Kong; particularly
since it may be categorically stated and
emphasised that the garrison is in Hong
Kong solely for Hong Kong's benefit.
it not for Her Majesty's Government's
Were
responsibilities towards the Colony there
would be no garrison stationed there at all.
Hong Kong Department
1972
January 1972
CONFIDENT IAL