TNAG-0546-FCO40-641-Strength-of-garrison-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 174

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Mr Jarin

Mr Wep 1912

HIKIO/1

CHRISTMAS ADJOURNMENT DEBATE

2.

Please see the attached copy of Mr Price's minute of 9 December.

The Hong Kong Defence Costs Negotiations/Agreement occurs to me as a topic which might be raised on the Motion for the Adjournment, assuming no announcement has been made by 15 December. This possibility is perhaps the more likely in view of Mr Rodgers Minister of State for Defence, having informed the Defence and External Affairs Sub- committee yesterday evening, 9 December, of the terms of a likely agreement". If an announcement is not made within the next few days, some MP might be tempted to enquire what is happening. This is really a matter for the MOD to advise on in the first instance. Could you have a word with Mr Ward about this and, subject to what he thinks, let Mr Price know whether or not it is proposed to prepare briefing on the Defence Costs Negotiations?

3. I suppose it is also possible that by next week, again assuming no announcement has been made, that some MP might get on to the connection which Hong Kong are seeking to draw between the finalisation of an agreement and the imposition of UK restrictions on imports of Hong Kong woven shirts. If, therefore, a brief is prepared on the Defence Costs Negotiations I think it ought to cover this point too.

10 December 1975

D.F. Millin

D F Milton

Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Dept

CODE 18-77

the West Twiz

The Misyon

have

Announcement

to the

брокет во

The Ward about this point. If

is likely before

hkem

по

Is December (wheen, he alles, (which, added,

looked mcreasingly unlikely) he with the providing bringing

along the

Vinas

lo xü Ki

unes through

мод

through Mod channers.

I have spoken to the Parliamenta

Ли Ганный по Прокар

Thank

have in unid.

Dlamini

•8"/" Please tell An. Price what Mos

Dr.f. Millon w/in