SECRET
-3-
E
F
The MacLennan Case
7. The Minister is familiar with this problem. In his
telegram No 869, the Governor reported the appointment of
a commission of enquiry into the circumstances surrounding
the death of Inspector MacLennan. The details of the terms
of reference of the enquiry are given in the telegram.
Overseas Students
8. The Minister is familiar also with this problem. It would
be reasonable to reassure the Governor that we will continue to
fight the case for the Dependent Territories.
But he should
be left under no illusion that it will be easily won.
Defence Costs Agreement
9. The first formal round of negotiations on the new Defence
Costs Agreement took place in June. The MOD's opening submission
would have required the Hong Kong Government more than to double
its contribution from some £50 million to £120 million per annum.
During the negotiations, the total was reduced to £100 million
but this does not include the cost of the extra fifth battalion
requested by the Hong Kong Government. A copy of the agreed
summary record is attached. The next round of talks will take place
in early August and the Governor will take part in them. We do not
yet know what line the Hong Kong Government are going to take but
clearly the large sums of money involved are going to cause
considerable concern in Hong Kong. The Defence Secretary will
probably be writing to his colleagues, including the Secretary
of State, to put them in the picture in the next two weeks.
We need to know whether the Governor would like Lord Carrington
to make any comment at this stage.
SECRET
/Green Paper
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.