TNAG-0453-FCO40-518-Budget-of-Hong-Kong-1974-1975-1975 — Page 229

CONFIDENTIAL,

6. OF COURSE WE WILL NOW SET ABOUT REDRAFTING PLANS AND FORECASTS IN ORDER TO NARROW THE GAP, AND AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MAKES CLEAR IN HIS SPEECH THE MAIN ELEMENTS OF THE PROGRAMMES ARE WITHIN THE COLONY'S FINANCIAL RESOURCES. NEVERTHELESS THERE IS ROOM FOR MISUNDERSTANDING, PARTICULARLY IN THE PRESS ABROAD.

FOR THIS REASON I HAVE THOUGHT IT PRUDENT TO LET YOU HAVE THE SUMMARY IN THE SPEECH IN MIFT, INSPITE IF ITS LENGTH, AND INSPITE OF MY HOPE THAT ITS CONTENTS WILL BE IGNORED IN ENGLAND IN FAVOUR

OF THE ELECTION..

FCO PASS PRIORITY TO HONGAID.

MACLEHOSE

FILES:

HKIOD

COPIES TO:

HONG KONG GOVT OFFICE

2

CONFIDENTIAL