TNAG-2224-FCO40-3195-Gulf-War-burden-sharing-Hong-Kong-contribution-1991 — Page 177

CODE 18-77

Mr Stone/

Mr Paul

разли

2411

ALGABF/VAS

Reference..

5

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HKB 02013

HONG KONG

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GULF BURDEN SHARING

1. I discussed with Mr Smith (NPDD) the question of a contribution from Hong Kong to the burden sharing exercise.

2.

Japan,

He pointed out that there is no central fund as such. for example, has contributed to the Gulf Cooperation Council Fund, (the purpose of which is some what ill-defined), whilst others have made contributions to those countries most affected by the imposition of UN sanctions and fluctuations in oil supplies, eg Jordan and Turkey. There is of course no objection to Hong Kong making contributions to other countries along those lines if it wished.

3. However, the object of the present exercise is to relieve the burden which is falling to the UK. The earlier need for medical teams to be sent to the Gulf has now been resolved. Mr Smith thought that if Hong Kong were prepared to make a contribution then ideally it should be a financial one. He thought £15 million from Hong Kong would be appropriate. He had gone over his figures again following your conversation with him.

If Hong Kong saw any presentational difficulties over linking a contribution to arms then their conbritution could be publicised as being intended for more peaceful items of supply eg lorries. I responded that it was unlikely that Hong Kong would feel it necessary to make such distinctions.

4.

Finally, Mr Smith thought that the visit of Lord Caithness was an ideal opportunity to probe the Hong Kong authorities on this issue. There was considerable ministerial interest in this fund raising exercise.

24 January 1991

Muner

مهد

T Furness

WH 311

270 2653

CONFIDENTIAL