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33
sense is true, bit only in a narrow sense, for
Hong Kong, like Singapore and some other places,
but unlike Malta, has got what often proves to
be much more valuable than indigenous natural
resources, namely a position as a trading port
serving an important hinterland. That is of
course a very relevant factor in the calculation
of relative needs, because it is already clear
from a number of symptoms that through it
Hong Kong possesses a recuperative capacity that
Malta can never hope to rival.
I agree, therefore, that with the procedure
suggested in the third paragraph of Mr Mayle's
minute of 12th December.
7.13.15.
Please of for Ohi To LE TY
26.12.46
conson accordings.
Concava.
The ill-
70/12 atur
Mr. Mayle.
The action directed on this file has not yet been
taken owing to Mr. Palmer's prolonged absence and to
the very great pressure of work to which he was
subjected both before and after that absence.
I have recently asked for this file in view of
the following paragraph in your minute of the 25th
February on 36550/19/47:-
"If there were any question of going to the Treasury for free grants from U.K. funds to these Far Eastern territories which were occupied by the Japanese, the expenditure incurred on local forces could have been used as an argument in support of the grants. But, according to my recollection, this idea has now been finally turned down.
/I had