BOARD OF TRADE,
1 VICTORIA STREET,
LONDON S.W.1
R&R
32
7th October, 1969
Hong Kong-Norway Textile Negotiations
Dew/There are various points in Hong Kong telegram No.782 of
4th October which we find objectionable.
2. The final words of this telegram assert that it is impor- tant that Hong Kong should "appear to have full authority to negotiate and conclude agreements" This goes too far.
•
3. As for the first sentence of Paragraph 2, I understand from Miss Welch that the attitude of the Hong Kong representa- tives seemed likely to give to the Norwegians the impression that the Agreement being initialled was in fact being concluded, and that the subsequent signature by Sorby in Hong Kong would be little more than a formality. Since, as you know, we had attached some significance to the ad referendum character of the negotiations, Miss Welch thought it desirable to speak as reported. The Norwegians appeared to take this for granted. It is worth adding for that matter that Mr. Ho made no comment on this intervention either at the time or in subsequent conver- sations for which there was ample opportunity.
4. I do not suggest that it is worth going over these matters with Hong Kong any further. I hope you can agree that the best way of making our point would be to send a short telegram on the lines of the draft attached to our Embassy in Oslo.
W. Carter, Esq.,
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office,
Room 246,
King Charles Street,
S.W.1.
Your Denzil
(D.I. Dunnett,
RECEIVED IN
REGISTRY No. 51
-7 OCT 1969
HKC 6/294/1
LAST
REF.
NEXT
REF
53)