CO129-597-3 Estimates 1950 22-2-1949 - 3-11-1950 — Page 14

14

In Sidibollam has sun; so has bui

Morgan,

olen pp. 574

I am most grateful to Mr. Palmer and Mr. Bourdillon for examining these Estimates for us at a time when the Geographical Department was particularly hard pressed.

but

2. Mr. Palmer, Mr. Kirkness and I have since discussed Mr. Bourdillon's draft telegram and have agreed that it would be well to expand it a little. The question of Hong Kongsbeing required to make a contribution towards the extra cost involved in reinforcing the garrison has now been raised by the Treasury (94003/10/49). This is a matter which will need most careful examination. Last December Hong Kong was not given the assurance they asked for viz. that the cost of the Defence Force would definitely be accepted as their sole contribution towards the cost of the defence of the Colony they got something very near it. We cannot therefore go bald-headed at the matter in this telegram and hint openly at possible further liabilities for defence expenditure (particularly since in my view there is a considerable case for resisting Treasury pressure for the acceptance of such liability). The addition to the original. draft of the telegram now made has not made known in mind Hong Kong's future liabilities - partial cost of air port, entire cost of Reservoir scheme and also possible further security expenditure (either on Defence Force and Police, or perhaps towards the reinforcements.)

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3. Mr. Paskin, Mr. Trafford Smith, Mr. J.C. Morgan and Mr. Sidebotham to see after issue.

Б

سسسل

3018

W. Kikuss

13.8.49.

15. To Lt. Sol. Russell Edmunds ""draft

for

Mr. Sidebothamn

Please

above. Since

concurence

16.8.49

see hu. Wallace's minute it was written, hus. Palmer I have discussed the draft tel. with her. Mobelty, who has

agreed

to its isme in

in which it appears opposite. There is us matinal difference from the

the revised from

previous version;

fact that

a phrase has be added to the first porn. to allow for

the

the despatch to be sent later

other points

will comment

could as