Contribution
1.
HMG has SO
far made no formal request to the Administration for a contribution. Initial requests for assistance have been directed elsewhere. But with an assistance we ever-expanding programme of requests for
be asked soon.
There
are tactical
would
to expect benefits for Hong Kong in offering a contribution before any formal request for assistance is received and before any unrealistic expectation is given to the coalition as level of contribution Hong Kong should make, given our prosperity etc.
to
8.
If we make a contribution voluntarily, as the Administration proposes, it should not be so small as to be considered derisory, given the huge outlays being sustained by the coalition. The sum should also be in keeping with what our neighbouring economies are contributing. It should also be a sum which the Hong Kong community at large can support. The figure of HK$230 million, ΟΙ approximately 15 million pounds sterling, is considered to be large enough to make a favourable impact, but without having a significant detrimental effect on our budgetary position. It is thus proposed that this figure be adopted.
9.
It is proposed that the contribution should be made to the UK. There are three reasons for this. First, among the coalition countries, the UK has the closest constitutional links with Hong Kong. Secondly, there is no UN fund
Thirdly, most contributions made so far have been made to the USA, although the UK has the second largest contingent taking part in support of the UN Security Council Resolutions.
Proposal
:
10.
It is proposed that a new Other Non-Recurrent Subhead "Contribution towards the resolution of the Gulf conflict" be created, with supplementary provision of $230 million, offset by the deletion of an equivalent amount under Head 106 Miscellaneous Services Subhead 789 Additional commitments in order to assist towards HMG's efforts in the Gulf.
/Urgency
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.