TNAG-0308-FCO40-344-Contributions-of-Hong-Kong-for-costs-of-maintaining-military-1971 — Page 47

of cause

CONFIDENTIAL

We have no record of the remarks attributed to

Wis

Mr Heath on the occasion in question and It would

help us to reply to the unofficial members if you could confirm the accuracy or correct them; and cared

let us know the context and circumstances in which

they were made.

Our own impression is that if

Mr Heath did make a statement on the lines of that

attributed to him by the unofficial members, he

did not so much have in mind Britain's earnings

from Hong Kong and the cost of maintaining the

garrison there (which is there for the defence of

the Colony and to assist in the maintenance of

Brian's

internal security) as her very much wider interests

elsewhere in the Far East and her role in

maintaining a military presence in the area

generally.

In seeking your assistance we realise of

course that the occasion referred to occured at a

time when Mr Heath was Leader of the Opposition.

However, we are hopeful that you may have some

Since I believe you were with him

record of what happened at the time.

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Iam sening weys d

wegs of this lette Wopeler

Horn.

16/4

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CONFIDENTIAL

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN