16.
Swedes would agree to drop the Blouses and Underwear.
Mr. Jordan said he could not help feeling that it was up to Hong Kong
to decide whether or not to concede on all three items was in her own
best interests.
Sir Arthur Snelling pointed out to Mr. Jordan that it was most
important that Hong Kong should reach their decision in the light of
the position in the .K. If, by the granting of restraints by Hong Kong
to Sweden, the U.K. found itself compelled to ask Hong Kong for similar
restraints, it would then be of little use för Hong Kong to put forward
special pleading as to why'such restrictions should not be imposed.
He would advise Hong Kong not to exercise their own judgement to the
extent of affecting their position in the U.K. market.
Mr. Jordan said that Hong Kong had always accepted that they must keep
their policies in line with those of the U.K.
Nevertheless he still
felt that Hong Kong should make their own decision in regard to Blouses
and Underwear,
Sir Arthur Snelling asked if it might be possible to reach identity of
view in this matter if the Stockholm meeting were postponed for a week.
He suggested that a decision would have to be reached very quickly
about this as it would, of course, be necessary to contact the British
Embassy in Stockholm that afternoon if a postponement was required.
Mr. Carey agreed with this suggestion.
H.M.G. had so far withstood
the pressures from industry and wished to continue to do so but this
became more difficult every time further restraints were granted by
Ind. 1. would be very glad
Hong Kong with another importing country.
4
to discuss their position with Mr. Jordan.
Mr. Jordan said he felt he should go to Stockholm as arranged. He
would explore the hint that Baron de Geer had given to Mr. Goldsmith
and see if it were possible to persuade the Swedes to drop their request
for restraints on Blouses and Underwear. Whilst he was in Stockholm,
Ind.1 might prepare details of the U.K. case with supporting statistics
/ which