9.
Hong Kong
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is beneficial to the United Kingdom's economy in very many ways, certainly to a far greater extent than the modest sum needed to retain these ships and personnel under UK control for another five years. The costs involved are minimal compared with the potential for major political damage and an accelerated exodus of key professional people and capital from the Colony. The Foreign Secretary really must insist that HMG retains its military presence at its present strength until much nearer the hand-over date in 1997. The defence presence in the Colony is a vital symbol, and these Patrol Vessels the most public daily display of Britain's continuing sovereignty. They are vital elements
elements in sustaining the credibility of the Governor and his Colonial Government.
10. In general Britain can take pride in her record in Hong Kong since 1841..
Ideally the Governor should leave in 1997 in cocked hat and plumes, with full military honours, military band and gun salutes, embarked in one of HM ships, flying his flag, and escorted out to sea by the patrol vessels of the Hong Kong Squadron; after 156 years of British rule, he should not leave ignominiously and incognito by air in a scheduled airliner.
Mikail danken.
MICHAEL RANKEN.