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reasonable one, especially as British posts are being asked to provide Hong Kong with no more than gencral economic intelligence which is already being collected for E.C.G.D.
It can scarcely be argued that the provision of such information to Hong Kong would prove a burden or that it would encourage other Commonwealth countries to demand a similar service, It is not in any case appropriate to compare our obligations to independent Commonwealth countries with our much greater obligations to, and responsibilities for, our dependent territories. And there is no other dependent territory with such a developed export trade in manufactures or an export insurance scheme.
The confidential nature of parts of the Country and Economic reports is appreciated, but the procedure suggested in (iii) above should overcome objections on this score. It should also be remembered that the Hong Kong Corporation's senior officials are seconded Government officers subject to the „rovisions of the Official Secrets Act. Further protection could be afforded by posts deleting particularly sensitive items from the copy sent to Hong Kong or even withholding it altogether if deletion were impracticable; posts would have entire discretion.
As you know, Hong Kong is going through an anxious and difficult time and is in particular need of any support which we are able to offer now.
I am sure your will arrange for these Hong Kong requests to be carefully and sympathetically considered and very much hope th tếs a result you will be able to see your way to meeting them.
/I am
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