TNAG-0480-FCO40-545-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1974 — Page 148

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the chances of a satisfactory agreement. We share the aim

of securing an increased defence contribution, but we should

like to do this in such a way and at such a time that it does

not unnecessarily complicate the administration of Hong Kong.

It is on the point of timing that the Governor's advice is

valuable.

4. This being said, I agree that there is no reason why

the Executive Council should not be consulted as soon as we

have agreed with the Governor what the proposition should be.

As I said in my letter of 19 November to John Hunt, the

Governor wishes to achieve an understanding between officials

on a level of garrison and contribution which would be

acceptable to HMG and which the Governor judges that ExCo

could be brought to accept. Thereafter there would be

advantage in bringing in Executive Council (who are the

Governor's confidential counsellors) in order to plan the

public presentation of our proposal and its passage through

Legislative Council. It is only the last stage of public

presentation, discussion and formal decision that we envisage

taking place in May after the budget is out of the way and

after The Queen's visit to Hong Kong.

Yours sincerely,

Tom Binclu

Thomas Brimelow

Copies to:

Sir John Hunt KCB

Sir Michael Cary KCB

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