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step.
Moreover on general grounds, it would be difficult to
persuade Parliament to send people away from Britain to face
trial for offences that are not regarded as crimes under
British law.
DEFENCE
39.
(Brief no. 11)
The contribution which Hong Kong makes to the costs of
the defence of the Colony is not a current issue. It is not
que to be re-negotiated until 1976 but members of Executive
Council continue to feel strongly about Hong Kong's £8 million
a year contribution.
40.
Possible Criticisms: No other dependent territory pays
for its defence, why should Hong Kong?
41. Line to Take: Britain maintains a very large garrison in
Hong Kong for the benefit of the Colony. The financial burden
is shared in accordance with the Defence Agreement.
AID (Brief no. 12)
42.
Members of Executive and Legislative Councils have long
contended that we should give aid to Hong Kong. The Colony
does not meet our normal criteria for aid, because it is too
wealthy (GDP is over £400 per head). But last year we announced
that, in addition to minor amounts of technical assistanco,
were willing to provide £500,000 for the Folytechnic and
£400,000 for the Technical Institutes.
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/43.