(iii)
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if we are to frustrate Chinese designs on the site
(which would be highly desirable) this is more
likely to be achieved through the argument that
the building should revert to the HKG and could
best be used for the HKG's purposes;
(iv)
the size and prominence of the building would give
HMG a higher profile than it would be sensible to
adopt after 1997 (see paragraph 8). The past
military associations would also detract from the
image which we want to project after 1997.
(v)
If
in any event the whole site is definitely too
large for our office requirements after 1997.
we were able to secure the tower alone it would
allow the flexibility we need. But there would
still be space surplus to our office requirements,
which we would have to be prepared to use for a
limited amount of staff residential accommodation.
Any space remaining could be let to selected
commercial users;
(vi)
it is the present intention of the MOD to use the
site as the military HQ until final withdrawal of
the garrison in 1997. Co-location before 1997 of
the military HQ and the embryonic
Consulate-General would create practical and
presentational difficulties.
To move the
headquarters elsewhere in Hong Kong before 1997
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