10
The following figures show the strength of
the Hong Kong case.
From 1890 until the change
effected by the Haliburton Committee, Hong Kong
paid a fixed sterling contribution of £40,000 a year ($266,666-$400,000 according to fluctuations in
the rate of exchange). In the enclosure on
14661/26 Hong Kong, will be found a table showing
that the Hong Kong military contribution increaed from $801,276 (£78,667) in 1901 to $4,198,058
(£485,400) in 1926. For subsequent years the
figures are as follows:-
1926-27
Military contribution
Cost of garrison.
$3,573,922(£390,406)
£712,130
1927-28 $3,826,463(£388,588)
£692,950
1928-29
$3,785,202(£386,334)
£688,885
1929-30 $3,882,821(£355,181)
2611,437
1930-31
$4,267,074(£285,666)
£798,006
In effect, assessment of military contribution
on the principles laid down by the Haliburton
Committee has resulted in a rise in the Hong Kong
military contribution from a fixed sum of £40,000
to an average of just over $1,200,000 for the
period 1901-1909, and to an average of $4,000,000
for the period 1923-1931. That the system
was not working equitably in Hong Kong was
recognised
Page 10Page 11