TNAG-0534-FCO40-629-UK-aid-to-Hong-Kong-Polytechnic-and-technical-institutions-1975 — Page 125

REDRAFT OF PARAGRAPH 25

V POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS

25. In 1972, when our agreement to provide this grant

was formally announced, we were going through a particularly

difficult time in our relations with Hong Kong. The

Governor had advised that Hong Kong had a political need

for outward and visible signs of a sp cial and beneficial

relationship with the United Kingdom.

This advice was

accepted and it was recognised that carefully selected aid

could meet this need.

and

Although 2 years have elapsed since

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then, it is still the case that our relations with Hong

Kong are delicate. Over a number of issues Defence Costs,

Textile quotas, capital punishment, the Legislative Council

there are other actual or potential difficulties in our

relationship, Naturally too, if the aid project, having

been accepted as a commitment by HMG and publicly announced

by the FCO Minister in 1972, were now called into question,

be a blow w

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this would in itself damage (Hong Kong's confidence in

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Britain and create further difficulties in our relationship.

These difficulties might not only be political but could

lead to adverse effects in the trade field.

and the Sanemar

has pegnated that the

niciusión

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due to difficult expract

Canditain has made

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is

Causing

underwend anciety in the

Calony and making greater problems

news relationship.

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