‘Sir Gerald spoke about the requirement for the UK to enhance its security capabilities in the face of increasing international instability, with particular reference to Asia. One way for this to happen was through increasing the emphasis on the Five Powers Defence Agreement, which embraces the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore and which recently marked the 40thanniversary of its signing.’
Sam Olsen, the Chairman of Conservatives Abroad in Hong Kong, noted that the audience was highly receptive of many of Sir Gerald’s points. “Whilst it is never possible for a politician to be representative of everyone’s perspective, especially on defence, it was noticeable that there was broad agreement on the need for a strong and capable military in the face of a world environment that seems to bring daily tales of strife and conflict.”
Sam added that the audience was particularly impressed that the former Minister had taken time out of his holiday to attend the lunch. “Sir Gerald’s talk was the most oversubscribed in our recent history, and it is a sign of the increasing popularity of Conservatives here in Hong Kong. We very much hope to have him back again soon.”