Ed (5084)
Ext. 2225.
Mr. Stewart
Reference..... НКК 6/344/1
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I have spoken to Miss Lacau (CRE, Algiers Desk) about the possibility of a diplomatic protest by Hong Kong, through our Algiers Embassy. She shares the opinions expressed in Relton's letter of 7th January (3); she especially objects to the suggestion of Sterling trade balancing by Hong Kong. Apparently the Sudan is objecting, justifiably, that Britain's trade is unfavourable, and that we should buy more Sudanese cotton. We can hardly use sterling trade balances one way in the Algerian case and the opposite way to the Sudanese.
2.
I attach a draft letter to Hong Kong expressing our support for a general diplomatic protest.
27 January, 1969
I.
R. Puray.
(I. R. Murray) Hong Kong Department