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upon Hong Kong's economy.
succeed
in
Ju
Nor can we yet be sure that we shall
Hong What we
Kong believe
Later
.... her rights in connection with the UNCTAD generalised
preferences scheme. This, together with the risk of further
uncertainty for Hong Kong's interests as we move from quotas
to tariffs on 1 January 1972 in the field of cotton textiles,
are added reasons why it would be unwise to ask too much
from Hong Kong in the way of a defence contribution.
12 The evident heavy capital needs of the Colony as described
in paragraph 10 above and the threats to its future prosperity
Can me wake wade as described in paragraph 12 clearly smstitute a background to
There unto the
what istu esist in ith
^
the risk of popular opposition to any imposition of a defence
contribution from outside.
(2)
Political Facters
19 Under the constitution of the Colony, the Governor is
obliged first to submit a proposal such as the defeme contri-
bution to his Executive Council and may only act contrary to their
advice subject to referance of the matter in question to the
Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary; thereafter, any proposals
must be approved by the Finance Committee of the Legislative
Council und finally by the Legislative Council as a whole. The
unof: icial members of those councils, although nominated by the
Governor, are men of independent minds and independent means who
are not paid for their services. They are not amenable to any
kind of government "whip". The balance of official and unofficial
membership of the Legislative Council is such that the Governor is
in theory able to pass legislation if he is prepared to use both
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