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4.
The choice of a representative is important.
I think Mr. Coombs has misunderstood (in his minute of 28 April) my views on this question.
My
preference (as I told Sir Arthur Snelling later) is for
the representative to come from the F.C.0. Failing
that we could accept a Board of Trade official from
the CRE Division but not from the Industries Division.
I think Mr. Dunnett has correctly concluded that there is no need for "quasi-technical representation". We really need somebody there to observe the
proceedings and to intervene behind the scenes, if necessary, to stiffen Hong Kong's attitude. If such intervention should be necessary it would be
more readily accepted from a FCO official; any
similar initiative by a Board of Trade official would
be suspect in Hong Kong eyes. My recommendation is
that a FCO official should go to Hong Kong at least
two clear days before the talks start in order to
take part in the preliminary briefing meetings and
should be present throughout the talks.
1 May. 1969
(W. S. Carter)
Hong Kong Department
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