is a danger that Hong Kong's case will go by default
and such restrictions will appear as a built-in
feature of the common commercial policy, extending at
least over the whole range of commodities on which
France has maintained import quotas. Quite what we
might hope to achieve is difficult to foresee.
There seems little likelihood that we shall be able
to reverse the Community's intention (as expressed in
Regulations of December last year) of requiring some
limitation of imports in the case of non-liberalised
items, although there is perhaps a possibility of
securing surveillance procedures in substitution of
quota restrictions. However, by our action we might
at least get a foot in the door on Hong Kong's behalf,
as a result of which Hong Kong might in bilateral
discussions with the Commission be able to negotiate
better terms; and might even succeed in securing
Gorrangement's export restraint instead of import restrictions
apparently
(a pessibility for which the Regulations/provide).
4.
As for timing, there are in our view good reasons
for intervening with the least possible further delay.
There seems to be general recognition that once the
complex process of consultation and internal adjust-
ment between member countries of the Community is
complete it is virtually impossible to change
Community decisions. This indicates that we ought
to make our point before the Council has taken any
decisions on the proposals now tabled. The
Commission's proposals are expressed to come into
force on 1 January, 1970 and Christofas has
it is
of interest in
This connection that The Regulation's apparently providle for export restraint arrangements in Substitution of import restrictions,
/ indicated
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