TNAG-2224-FCO40-3195-Gulf-War-burden-sharing-Hong-Kong-contribution-1991 — Page 34

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The Soviet Union was not participating militarily in the Gulf war but there was no sign that it was going to be punished or resented for that attitude. He considered the international community did business with HK, not out of sympathy, but because HK's products were good and generated profits for the international community. He noted that the USA would be helping to rebuild Iraq and should not therefore object to HK not making a contribution. A HK contribution would mean that HK was directly involved in the war. He wondered why HK had been silent when Israel had previously invaded neighbouring territories. He supported Mr. Stephen Cheong's point that the UK had not requested contribution and wondered what the urgency was.

a war

The Chairman said that he

that he believed that if a voluntary payment was made it would reflect very well on HK. He also believed that the condition included in the proposal would be

be respected by the UK and he would convey the message most strongly to the UK. As regards Mr. Martin Lee's reference to the IRC, the Chairman' would convey what he and other Members had said when he reported on the proposal to Her Majesty's Government.

Members voted on the Administration's amended proposal and it was approved by a majority.

Messrs. Allen Lee, Martin Barrow, Paul Cheng, Daniel Lam, Ngai Shiu-kit, Chan Ying-lun, Andrew Wong, Edward Ho, Ronald Arculli,

Arculli, Peter Poon, Cheng Hon-kwan, Chung Pui-lam, Cheung Yan-lung, Professor Poon, Jimmy McGregor, James Tien, David Cheung, Mrs.

Mrs. Nellie Fong, Peggy Lam, Miriam Lau, Selina Chow, Rosanna Tam, Alice

So, Dr. Daniel Tse, Dr. Henrietta Ip and Miss Leung Wai-tung (26 Members) supported the item.

Messrs.

Stephen Cheong, Tam Yiu-chung, Lau Wong-fat, Ho Sai-chu, Michael Cheng, Ronald Chow, Hui

Hui Yin-fat, Martin Lee, Pang Chun-hoi, Poon Chi-fai, Kingsley Sit, Tai Chin-wah, Mrs. Elsie Tu and Dr. Leong Che-hung (14 Members)

dissented.

Mr.

Martin

Lee asked whether the Chairman would comply with the requirements of Standing Order 58 now that the amended proposal had been passed by

by the Finance Committee by ordering that it be printed and stand referred to a committee of the whole Council. The Chairman took note of Mr. Lee's point and said he would consider it and reply later.