TNAG-0544-FCO40-639-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 83

RECEIVED IN

REGISTRY NO. 51

12 NOV 1975

367

GRS 190

FRIORITY

CYPHER CAT/A

FM HONG KONG 110933Z

SECRET

SECRET

HKK10/1

TO PRIORITY F C O TELEGRAM NO 1143 OF 11 NOVEMBER.

DEFENCE COSTS.

IT MAY BE HELPFUL TO YOU TO KNOW HOW WE SEE THE NEXT STEPS

TOWARDS CONCLUDING THE NEW AGREEMENT.

2. WE ARE, IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH HQBF, GIVING EVERY PRIORITY TO COMPLETION OF THE OUTSTANDING ITEMS LISTED IN THE ANNEX TO THE

HEADS OF AGREEMENT SINCE WE MUST TAKE THESE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE

BEFORE FURTHER REFERENCE TO UNOFFICIALS. AT THIS STAGE IT LOOKS AS IF THE JOINT WORKING PARTY, WILL BE ABLE TO PRODUCE ITS REPORT ON TIME (1.E. 28 NOVEMBER). THIS SHOULD ENABLE US TO CONSULT UNOFFICIALS ON 2 DECEMBER AND FOR THEIR REACTION AND ADVICE TO BE

TELEGRAPHED TO ME IN LONDON ON 3 DECEMBER.

3. THEREFORE SUGGEST THAT I SHOULD CALL ON MR RODGERS ON THE 4TH OR 5TH DECEMBER, IF HE IS AVAILABLE, TO CONTINUE THE NEGOTIATIONS AND SEE WHETHER WE CAN FINALISE THE AGREEMENT AT LEAST BEFORE

PARLIAMENT RISES.

4. ASSUMING THAT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS AUTHORISED ME TO CONCLUDE AN AGREEMENT (AND ANY CONDITIONS IT MAY HAVE ATTACHED THERETO CAN BE MET BY H M G) IT WOULD NOT BE NECESSARY TO REFER TO EXECUTIVE

COUNCIL AGAIN.

SECRET

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