Sad Kunda. Štukas-sakitas sumušami distanza takova danskatokat, musta win the
3.
The Hong Kong Government were naturally anxious that we should recognise the difficulties this will pose for them in relation to their planned social expenditure. We are taking this into account as well as possible release of Hong Kong owned land used by the services, and some technical financial points. Both Governments hope to resolve these issues quickly and to make a fuller announcement before the end of the year.
LINE TO TAKE ON PARTICULAR POINTS
WHY WERE THE NEGOTIATIONS SO DIFFICULT GIVEN THAT THE GOVERNOR IS A CIVIL SERVANT OF HMG?
4.
Constitutionally the Governor is both representative of, and responsible to, the Crown, whose views are conveyed through the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. He carries out his duties in consultation with his Executive
Council and he legislates with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council. There are provisions enabling him to exercise supreme authority but in practice major policies are implemented after a consensus has been reached and there is a limit beyond which he cannot impose policies unacceptable to public opinion. The Governor's position becomes a difficult one when, as over the defence costs issue, there are differences of
view between HMG and the Unofficial Members of the Executive and
Legislative Councils. It is recognised practice that in such a situation the Governor acts as an intermediary between HMG and Hong Kong, representing the Hong Kong view to HMG and
vice versa.
This is not at variance with his ultimate
constitutional responsibility to govern in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary of State.
WILL NOT HONG KONG BE MAKING A SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL GAIN IF VALUABLE LANDS ARE TRANSFERRED IN RETURN FOR AN INCREASE IN ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COST OF THE GARRISON?
5.
The possible return to the Hong Kong Government of further lands occupied by the garrison is one of the matters which will be further examined. I cannot say any more at this stage.