TNAG-0479-FCO40-544-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 35

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economies" in the garrison and of seeking a larger xxxxxxx✶İUM contribution from the Hong Kong Government. We fear

that any indications along these lines at this stage would unleash the actual negotiations about the future size of the Hong Kong contribution, which we and the Governor think will be most profitable if they are delayed until May. For the same reason, we do not think the Governor would wish to discuss these detailed points with his Executive Council at this stage. He would however wish to inform them in advance of anything which it is decided should be said in Parliament. He would want to do this at the immediately preceding meeting of the Executive Counci which meets on Tuesdays (our Monday nights).

5. We have not consulted him again about the suggested line in para. 3 above, but we shall wish to do so when the cope and timing of the statement or

statements is clearer.

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