iginal di HKK3/28/1 This Copy for: HKK5/12 Information caly/Action on Para(s);
CONFIDENTIAL
SIR LESLIE MONSON'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
APRIL 1972
Brief No 3
26
AID
1.
Britain at present supplies hardly any aid to Hong Kong. technical There are minor amounts for odwetvicemed assistance, and the
vso programme. This is because the ODA do not consider the
Colony aid-worthy in view of their large financial resources.
They are, however, committed in principle to providing
£400,000 for technical institutes. Of this amount, £100,000
has been earmarked for the Morrisson Hill Institute. At
present, two further technical institutes are proposed, for
each of which £100,000 is earmarked.
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2. During the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong, an
understanding was reached about aid. The Governor has pointed
out that, whilst Hong Kong might not have an economical need economical need for aid, it does have a political need for outward and visible signs of a special and beneficial relationship with the
United Kingdom. Carefully-selected aid, even if of compara-
tively small amounts, could meet this need. In view of the
criteria for aid normally applied, it seemed useful for pro-
posals to be made which involved a British interest, or which
were educational, or both. Two subjects which suggested them- selves were accordingly navigational aids for Kaitak airport; and equipment for the Polytechnic.
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3. The Governor took the view that it would be better for
the United Kingdom not to take the initiative in offering aid.
It would be preferable to respond as quickly as possible to a
request from Hong Kong. It was left that the Governor would
look into the possibilities with a view to stimulating appropriate
/requests.
CONFIDENTIAL