SAVINGRAM
To the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
From the Governor, Hong Kong.
Date
52
(13) 53652/49
-6-
was likely that the assumption of financial responsibility for the Hong Kong Defence Force would he the primary and perhaps the only contribution of the Colony towards the cost of Imperial Defence. Moreover, in the course of the 1949 Budget Debate, the Unofficial Members only accepted the present scale of expenditure on the Defence Force on the çlear understanding that no cash contribution towards the cost of Imperial Defence would be demanded in addition. The views then expressed, which I brought to your notice in paragraph 31 of my confidential despatch No.92 of the 12th May, 1949, no doubt were only intended to apply to normal times, but I am quite certain that, when considering the question of a contribution towards the cost of the present reinforcements, Unofficial Members will stipulate that any arrangement agreed to should lapse when the garrison reverts to its normal size.
CGSF: omd
Voci 837 -3
21038
DELENGE Y CEMEBIT
6