TNAG-0308-FCO40-344-Contributions-of-Hong-Kong-for-costs-of-maintaining-military-1971 — Page 110

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7. HMG are in entire sympathy with the

desire of the Unofficial Members faithfully

to discharge their duties to the general

public of Hong Kong. HMG are concerned

only to ensure that any contribution from Hong

Kong towards the cost of the Garrison is

reasonable in the light of the financial

and economic situation both in the Colony

and in the UK. They have concluded that

the figure of £8.5 million is the minimum

that could be so justified.

8. HMG would like to think that the

relationship between Britden and Hong Kong

is not one which can or should be viewed in

terms of the advantages or disadvantages

accruing to either party, but as a

relationship which has been developed over

the years and which, despite inevitable

differences of opinion and occasional clashes

of interest, works for the ultimate benefit

of both parties. It is true that in the

last resort HMG are in a position to impose

a contribution by the use of the official

majority in the Legislative Council.

But

Ministers share the dislike of the Unofficial

Members for such aw approach and would

certainly have no desire whatever to adopt

it unless no acceptable alternative course

remained open to them.

Ends.

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