TNAG-0544-FCO40-639-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 143

I wish to refer only in passing to Britain's own

economic problems at the present time.

However, I must

emphasise that even at the end of an exhaustive Defence

Review, which has resulted in decisions drastically

to reduce our commitments and our defence spending, we

shall continue for some years to spend 5% of our GNP

on defence. This compares with your contribution to

your own defence at the present time of less than 1% of

GNP.

It has been a strenuous week for me.

Although I

have been able to visit a number of British Service units,

I have seen too little of the Island, Kowloon, or the

New Territories. But despite this, I have greatly

enjoyed my visit and especially the opportunity to meet

many of Hong Kong's leading citizens, including members

of the Executive and Legislative Councils. I believe

that our discussions, and the frank way in which they

have been conducted, can lead to a strengthening of

goodwill and friendship. Certainly nothing said

Į

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or done this week need impair our long standing partnership

on the basis of mutual interest and respect. "

Hong Kong

1 November 1975

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