known, and you could point out that the United
Kingdom have already contributed £1,000,000
160
to assist Hong Kong in resolving its financial
problems where these arose from the war.
If
pressed, you could add that should Hong Kong, when
ugard to total wartime halilitia,
the final position is clear be unable to meet hum
i tg total liabilit
Men Ass beed, His Majesty's
is
Government are prepared to review the situation,
in accordance with the normal relationship between
His Majesty's Government and Colonial Governments.
Alternatively, if you feel that it is:
absolutely essential, for political reasons, to
give a maximum figure beyond which Hong Kong would
not be expected to meet this total liability without
further assistance from His Majesty's Government,
I would be prepared, as a concession, to
authorise you to name the figure of £4,500,000:• 3.4. These is
There is no objection to you: interming
mbers of you. Executive Council
cofidini
above is the one
yhou
that the line indicated above is
propose
to take o