Present:
CONFIDENTIAL 機密
Why
copied from
CR 3/2041/44
Notes of a meeting held at Government House on Thursday 17th January 1974 at 2.30 p.m.
H.. the Governor
Hr. Arnold Smith, Commonwealth Secretary-General Mr. D.J.C. Caffin, Special Assistant to Mr. Smith Hon. F.S.
Ron. A.G.
Hon. S.H.A.
lion. S for SS
P.S. to H.E. the Governor
Mr. Smith explained that the main purpose of his visit was to discuss the possibility of Hong Kong's participation in the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) and the Cormonwealth Youth Programme... He felt that there would be great advantage if Hong Kong participated in the CFTC, which had been set up for about three years to promote functional co operation among Commonwealth countries in various fields. The advantages of Hong Kong participation would work both ways. On the one hand, any financial contribution made by Hong Kong would trigger off the 'multiplier' (i.e. an arrangement whereby Canada and Britain, the main contributors to the Fund, would together match contributions from developing Commonwealth countries on a roughly 4 to 1 basis). On the other hand, and because of the 'multiplier' effect, Hong Kong could expect to benefit from CFTC assistance to an extent in excess of its contribution.
2.
Mr. Smith further stated that Hong Kong's participation need not be limited to a financial contribution alone. Hong Kong could be a real source of technical expertise, and could contribute by attending meetings, sominars, etc. and by offering places for scholarships, study trips and attachments financed by the CFTC. Hong Zong could, of course, benefit from such technical assistance offered by other participating countries, particularly in the field of consultancics.
3.
H.E. the Governor asked whether there were any constitutional considerations involved in Hong Kong's participation, and what voice Hong Kong would have in the management of the Fund. Fr. Smith thought that, formally, Hong Kong would probably have to attend meetings as part of the British delegation, although Hong Kong could well have its own place at lower level noptings. But this was a matter of form rather than a practical problem and, to all intents and purposes, Hong Kong should have the same
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