TNAG-0544-FCO40-639-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 103

Mr O'Keeffe (HKIOD)

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1. Lord Goronwy-Roberts has been following the defence cost negotiations: he is entirely in favour of the idea of giving up MOD land where this is necessary, but thinks we may in due course face criticism (quite unjustifiable) that we are giving away an asset of the British tax-payer in return for a trifling defence contribution. He would be grateful to know whether we in fact hold a lease on the land, or is it just a de facto occupation, and what are the probable values of the assets which might be given up. I realise that it may take some time to arrive at a figure since a number of factors are involved, but he would be grateful if you would do what you can.

5 November 1975

Felalawally

A C Galsworthy Private Secretary

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