glad
to have your
comments.
Page 75
!
Page 75
•Me Hanisme
Sman Pagedge 0685f85
This is the
bebeet reminder from
ما
the Tsy.
the
Conte
you
Sugect.
please attach it to the file which I understand, you still have?
Any infer. which
You
conta
give
Bam
about
your general
Colanial DC. concise
would be very useful
for a meeting
which
I have each lamentow Pagleaze graf 8th
aba
Kibums
27/5
MATION
Te. No.: WHItehall 1234. Ext....
Refe
Page of 85
Treasury D. . 147/326/01
Reference
SECRET
Dear Johnston,
Kila (4) 26th
D'Ashtin.
TREASURY CHAMBERS5
GREAT GEORGE STREET
Kad 27/52416
Ith. Wree not to be tord about request for
LONDON, S.W.1
24th May, 1957
uncorased
deferre contubulin)
Would you please refer to ar Office letter of 26th April to you about the Defence Committee's proposal that there should be an examination of the possibility of increasing Hong Kong's defence contribution? Since this Defence Committee decision was taken nearly three months ago, I should like to try to get ahead on this subject. Indeed in view of the very disturbing information given in Browne's (5 letter of 17th May to Hennings, it is quite obvious
that proposals should be worked out in London as soon as possible. I understand that an exercise has been going on in the Colonial Office and I hope you will soon be in a position to let us know your views.
But, no doubt, you will want first of all to let the Governor of Hong Kong know of Ministers' views on this subject, so that he will not be led to believe that his proposal will be well received in London.
Charlton has suggested that he shoulä supply estimates of the present (or probable future) cost of the Army Garrison. I think estimates on both would be useful and, if you agree, perhaps you would ask Charlton to produce them If, when we have your comments, it is considered necessary for us to have a meeting to discuss what should be done next, I should be happy to call one.
J. B. Johnston, Esq.,
Colonial Office,