27
perfumed spirit. The Governor assures us
that the proposed additional taxation is
"not unreasonable or oppressive".
In view of our past attitude, it
is difficult to see how we could disallow the
Governor's proposals, which have, in effect,
been submitted in response to our appeals.
At the same time one cannot but hesitate, in
these days of desperate financial stringency
1
to approve increased expenditure of $1,250,000.
Suppose, for example, (though I believe it is
not at all probable) that Hong Kong finds
itself in financial straits in a few years
time and had to apply to the Treasury, as many
other Colonies have done, for a grant-in-aid.
In that event, we should, I fear, incur severe
criticism from the Treasury for sanctioning
such expenditure as is now proposed, at a time
like the present.
On the whole, however, it hardly
seems that we have any option but to approve
the Governor's proposals.
? So proceed.
ges 8/9/31