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Defence Costs
Question:
Sir, negotiations are going on on the defence review and its effects on Hong Kong and there have been reports that Hong Kong will have to pay substantially higher in the next agreement. Can you give us any details
Minister: No, except to say that consultations have been going on and are proceeding. I do not want to prejudge those, I certainly haven't come here to take part in negotiations. Naturally, as in your case, the point has been raised with me in discussion. The consultations are real and sincere, as between friends. I have expressed on another occasion here in Hong Kong my confidence that an acceptable solution will be reached. I would be surprised if it weren't, after all we are not adversaries, we are very old friends indeed. I have been told not to use the word partners, alright I won't use the words partners, but we are old friends, used to co-operating, used to talking to each other, sitting down and consulting and discussing the parameters of this and other matters. I could not give you details, except to tell you that these consultations have been going on, are proceeding and are real and genuine on
both sides.
Question:
Could you perhaps
Minister:
...
deny reports that defence costs here may be going up by 50 to 75 percent and in exchange the Hong Kong Government will get a greater say in the British military force activities here?
in a very
You are asking the same question, aren't you, skilful way once more. No, I could not engage in percentages and the like, I am not in charge of the negotiations
other Ministers have this duty.
with your own authorities.
All I am entitled to say is that there will be real consultations.
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17.