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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.
Lit.
8. HMG would like to think that the relation
ship between Britain and Hong Kong is not one
which can or should be viewed in terms of the
advantages of disadvantages accruing to either
party, but as a relationship which has been
الية
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 an 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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