2
D OF DP(C)
HEAD OF (AIR)
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference...
AUS(CS) 461/75
1XXA
DS1 (MR. JONES)
Mr. O'Keeffe, FCO-—-—-—-—-
Kr. Hansford, Treasury
Copies to: Ps/Minister of State
Mr. Benham, F1(N)
COSTS OF THE HONG KONG GARRISON
DECE
PKK 3/548/8
We have been asked at short notice to produce a paper on this subject for the Defence and External Affairs Sub- Committee in readiness for the Minister of State'a appearance before the Sub-Committee on 11 November. I attach a draft based largely on the agreed Press statement which was issued at the end of the Minister's visit to Hong Kong last week. I believe that it would be a mistake to go further than this in a note submitted to the Sub-Committee at this stage. If the Minister of State wishes to give any auditional information on a confidential basis it would be preferable for this to be done orally.
2.
We have been asked to submit the note by Friday, 7 November and I should therefore be grateful for your comments by close of play on Thursday 6 November. In view of the short time available I am sending a copy to PS/Minister of State in case he wishes to let the Minister of State see the draft while comments are awaited.
5 November 1975
R. JANDREW
AUS(GS)
CONFIDENTIAL