TNAG-0209-FCO40-245-Application-for-expansion-of-aeronautical-telecommunications-1969 — Page 19

6. The argument against aid to Hong Kong nearly always seems to be that she is "relatively affluent". I admit that I have never known exactly what this phrase means. I am told, for example, that according to World Bank statistics Hong Kong has a per capita GNP of US$560 where- as Singapore, which admittedly in the special circumstances of British military withdrawal qualifies for British aid, has one of usø570.

7. Hong Kong has now indicated that a decision on the project cannot be much longer delayed. Moreover it will not be long before the considerable Parliamentary interest in the question of our assistance for the project will be resumed. I must therefore shortly advise my Minister where our official consideration of the matter has taken us and it would be helpful if I could have early replies to this letter, a copy of which (with enclosures) I am sending to Steel and Coe.

arly

(H. H. Stewart)

J. M. Kisch, Esq.,

Ministry of Overseas Development,

Eland House,

Stag Place,

London, S.W.1.