3.
Many including the Kingdom (UK) operations in continuing to
major
of Hong Kong's
trading partners United States of America (USA), the United and France are directly involved in military
the Gulf.
The USA and UK, which are disburse very large sums of money on these operations, are actively looking to other friendly nations and territories for financial assistance. At a time when the USA and the UK and some other countries are directly involved in the conflict, deliberately standing aside and refusing to offer any assistance is likely to be deeply It is thus in Hong Kong's interests to be seen as willing to make a contribution towards the coalition's efforts.
resented.
4.
About 60% of Hong Kong's oil supply, and nearly 100% of its LPG supply, originates in the Gulf. This underlines the argument that Hong Kong cannot reasonably step aside from its responsibilities as a member of the world community.
5.
Hong Kong itself has called for international support in the past on a number of issues, and obtained it.
The retention of the USA's most favoured nation status for China in 1990 was due in no small part to acceptance by the USA of our argument that there would be a serious negative economic impact on Hong Kong if that status were to be withdrawn.
There are other recent examples. There will inevitably be many future occasions where Hong Kong will wish to obtain the support of the UK, the USA and other members of the international community. In short, the importance of sustaining their friendship and sympathy in the years to come cannot be over-stressed.
6.
Finally, many of our trading competitors in the region, including Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, which have not directly committed their armed forces, have already made substantial contributions.
Japan has pledged
US$ 9 billion. Hong Kong is the eleventh largest trading economy in the world, with a per capita GDP higher than all other countries and territories in the region except Japan.
We must expect criticism from the coalition countries if we
contribute to the UN
cause.
are unwilling to
ľ
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