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the chances of a satisfactory agreement. We share the aim
of securing an increased defence contribution, but we should
like to do this in such a way and at such a time that it does
not unnecessarily complicate the administration of Hong Kong.
It is on the point of timing that the Governor's advice is
valuable.
4. This being said, I agree that there is no reason why
the Executive Council should not be consulted as soon as we
have agreed with the Governor what the proposition should be.
As I said in my letter of 19 November to John Hunt, the
Governor wishes to achieve an understanding between officials
on a level of garrison and contribution which would be
acceptable to HMG and which the Governor judges that ExCo
could be brought to accept. Thereafter there would be
advantage in bringing in Executive Council (who are the
Governor's confidential counsellors) in order to plan the
public presentation of our proposal and its passage through
Legislative Council. It is only the last stage of public
presentation, discussion and formal decision that we envisage
taking place in May after the budget is out of the way and
after The Queen's visit to Hong Kong.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Binclu
Thomas Brimelow
Copies to:
Sir John Hunt KCB
Sir Michael Cary KCB
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