DRAFT
B
SUGGESTED STATEMENT TO THE HONG KONG TEXTILE ADVISORY BOARD
The strict constitutional position is that HMG is responsible for the conduct of Hong Kong's external relations (including commercial relations).
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Nevertheless, except in matters involving considerations of British international commercial policy the Hong Kong Government will be responsible in practice for determining the course of, and where practicable for the conduct of, Hong Kong's external commercial
relations.
"
Where considerations of British international commercial policy are involved the Hong Kong Government may, as appropriate and after
consultation with HMG, exercise a similar responsibility, acting within the framework of policies agreed with HMG and in conformity
with treaty obligations.
Any conflict of interest arising between HMG and the Hong Kong
Government should be resolved by consultation.
In communicating this statement to the Textile Advisory Board it can be explained that, in the context of the concession of voluntary restraints on Hong Kong's non-cotton textile and garment exports, this means that after consultation with HMG on the merits of the requests made by importing countries the Governor may concede any such restraints where he is satisfied that :
(i) the importing country concerned is seriously concerned
about the level of imports of such items from Hong Kong;
(ii) imports can be shown to be causing or threatening serious
injury to domestic producers of like or directly competitive
products;
(iii) the principal source of such imports is Hong Kong or that
the importing country has taken or is taking action to limit its imports from its principal suppliers;
(iv)
in cases where the continuance of an existing restraint is sought, the abandonment of such restraint would pose a threat of fresh or increased injury to domestic producers.7
29 August, 1969