TNAG-0329-FCO40-365-Briefs-for-UK-officials--visits-to-Hong-Kong-1972 — Page 21

AID

CONFIDENTIAL

SIR LESLIE MONSON'S VISIT TO HONG KONG

APRIL 1972

Brief No 3

1. Britain at present supplies hardly any aid to Hong Kong.

technical There are minor amounts for edwowbed assistance. and the

VSO programme. This is because the ODA do not consider the

Colony aid-worthy in view of their large financial resources.

They are, however, committed in principle to providing

£400,000 for technical institutes. Of this amount, £100,000

has been earmarked for the Morrisson Hill Institute. At

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present, two further technical institutes are proposed, for

each of which £100,000 is earmarked.

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2. During the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong, an

understanding was reached about aid. The Governor has pointed out that, whilst Hong Kong might not have an economical need

for aid, it does have a political need for outward and visible signs of a special and beneficial relationship with the United Kingdom. Carefully-selected aid, even if of compara- tively small amounts, could meet this need. In view of the

criteria for aid normally applied, it seemed useful for pro- posals to be made which involved a British interest, or which were educational, or both. Two subjects which suggested them- selves were accordingly navigational aids for Kaitak airport; and equipment for the Polytechnic.

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3. The Governor took the view that it would be better for the United Kingdom not to take the initiative in offering aid. It would be preferable to respond as quickly as possible to a request from Hong Kong. It was left that the Governor would look into the possibilities with a view to stimulating appropriate

/requests.

CONFI DEN TIAL