FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEBATE: MONDAY 10 NOVEMBER
HONG KONG DEFENCE COSTS NEGOTIATIONS: GENERAL LINE TO TAKE
To be supplied by the Ministry of Defence7
LINE TO TAKE ON PARTICULAR POINTS:
WHY WERE THE NEGOTIATIONS SO DIFFICULT GIVEN THAT THE GOVERNOR IS A CIVIL SERVANT OF HMG ?
1.
Although the Governor exercises supreme authority in Hong Kong, in practice major policies are implemented after a consensus has been reached with the unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils. If the views of these unofficials are not in accordance with those of the Secretary of State, as with the onse of the defence costs negotiations, the Governor'g position becomes i difficult one. On the one hand he is the representative of the Crown in Hong Kong; on the other he must take account of public opinion. It is recognised practice that in such circumstances the Governor acts as an intermediary between the Secretary of State and Hong Kong, representing the Hong Kong view to the Secretary of State. This is not at variance with his ultimate constitutional responsibility to govern in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary of State.
WILL NOT HONG KONG BE MAKING A SUBSTANTIAL FINANCIAL GAIN IF VALUABLE LANDS ARE TRANSFERRED IN RETURN FOR AU INCREASE IN ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE COSTS OF THE GARRISON 7
2.
The possible release of further lands occupied by the Garrison is one of the matters which will be further examined.
I cannot say any more at this stage.
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