CONFIDENTIAL
span of years. Sir J Cater told me that he thought we had unnecessarily forced the pace. Sir M MacLehose naturally wanted to achieve something on this before he retired. But he has been extended. Can we not let things rest for at least a year before returning to this with the Chinese? In the meantime, by all means let us explore further the legal possibilities.
c)
Parliamentary interest. One problem is that the MPs who visit Hong Kong are not always of the highest calibre. From the Opposition we need more people of the calibre of Mr Rowlands and Mr Wrigglesorth, but if we get them interested it follows that we should be responsive to sensible points which they may make. I agree that the programme of visits could be stepped
but it is better to concentrate on MPs with the time and the inclination to be interested in Hong Kong than to aim at saturation.
up,
a) Hong Kong Garrison. I am sure that we must continue to pay a recognisable proportion of costs if only to unerline our
commitment to Hong Kong. I think that this probably means_a minimum of, say, 15%; there is, therefore, room for Hong Kong to pay more.
e) Air Services. The Hong Kong Government's position is complicated by the ATLA decision. Their and our main concern should be to get a share for CPA and this seems pretty certain. The Governor is only aiming to bring himself up to date.
f) The Hong Kong Economy. The Minister of State may wish to comment here on the textile issue, where Hong Kong have taken a very tough line. They may be exaggerating the snowball effect with other countries.
8 January 1980
HAH Cortazzi
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