TNAG-0311-FCO40-347-Contributions-of-Hong-Kong-for-costs-of-maintaining-military-1971 — Page 28

MAX 10/9

AP Thorp Esq OBE

Head of F1(Air)

Ministry of Defence Main Building

hitehall

LO DON SW1

Hong Kong Department

FOREIGN AND COMMON RALTH OFFICE

LONDON SW1

5 November 1971

185

3.

We spoke on the telephone yesterday about the Hong Kong defence contribution. I nuggested that if we could avoid publicity about the contribution in the United Kingdom this would be a good thing because the Hong Kong papers would be bound to pick up any references to the matter, whether in the tieuse of Commons or elsewhere, end this could stir up fresh dissatisfaction in the Colony. In our latest report from Bong Kong it is stated that the subject has still not aroused the public excitement it might have done but opposition to what has been agreed nevertheless seems sidespread".

2. As promised I am enclosing the texts of the speeches Dade in the Legislative Council by the Pinancial Secretary, Hr 20 hoo and Ar i J C Brown. I am also enclosing the taxt of the press release issued by the Hong Kong Government,

3.

For record purposes I an copying this letter and the enclosures to Brack and Smith.

E O Laird