Reference
Sifaral minute
Crowson
Hr Crowson HKIOD
45%
C.C.
Mr Hammond Finance Dept
DP 42/3
FESTIVAL OF HONG KONG 1973
1. I attended the meeting of the Special Ceremonies Committee in MOD on 4 January, at which the Festival was discussed. The MOD have still not heard from Hong Kong what financial provision the HK Government can manage for the forces participation requested from the UK. I explained that an absolutely firm line about an FCO contribution could not be given until we knew this, but that in principle it looked as if nothing could be provided because this Festival is a biennial event and not a special anniversary or ceremony, and because Hong Kong is not, like the Seychelles, poor and small. I made your point that as discussions developed, any substantial potential in them for souring UK-HK relations might make us wish to make a case within the FCO for some small contribution, but this certainly could not be guaranteed and should not be volunteered.
2. This was noted and accepted by the Committee. The units which could be provided for the Festival (not surprisingly) fall short of the HK Government's request; they a re:-
(i) Royal Marines band of 24
(ii) Royal Signals motor-cycle display team of
25
(iii)
Falcons free-fall parachute team (subject to air transport).
The best assumption is that the Hercules the Falcons would require could take all the equipment needed for (i) or (ii), leaving the 50 men under (i) or (ii) to go by RAF scheduled flight. Once detailed costings have been prepared for this proposal, hr Street of DS 15 will write to Hong Kong outlining it, and asking straightforwardly if the Festival funds will pay this.
When we know their reply we can consider further.
5 January 1973
Rassmital
RF Skilbeck Defence Department
DD 897152 154596 500M 2/72 GM 3643/2