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Reference
Hong Kong/Swedish negotiations
143)
In case it is maintained that it is now too late to stop Hong Kong entering into an agreement with the Swedes on the non-cotton items, I think it would be advisable to set out the record, which is quite clear on the point, as follows:-
57
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO.51 12 JUN 1969
HKK 6/52/1
20th Feb. F.C.O. to Hong Kong - Telegram 137
"Our attitude towards any such request (for an extension
of non-cotton restraints) will need to be carefully concerted".
24th Feb. Hong Kong to F.C.0.
Telegram 177
Asked for authority to take decisions "within the bounds of now established precedents in accordance with my asses ment of what is in our best interests".
25th March F.C.C. to Hong Kong
Telegram 201
"In respect of the items already subject to restraint,
there is no objection to your concluding new restraint arrangements for the year beginning 1st July 1969 on the assumption that the relevant statistics and supporting arguments are acceptable both to you and to us as fortification." We hope that the statistics...
Justi
2nd April Hong Kong to F.C.O.
Telegram 274
Swedes propose extension of existing restraints and continuation of EA's on m.m.f. shirts.
3rd April F.0.0. to Hong Kong - Telegram 227
"Scope of the discussions must be limited by the
terms of the (Swedish) Memorandum making provision of for any other statistics (i.e. on cotton and non- cotton items not subject to restraint) irrelevant".
16th April Hong Kong to F.C.O. - Telegram 301
Hong Kong reports that the Swedes might ask for discussions for the extension of restraints on m.m.f. and cotton items.
18th April F.C.0. to Hong Kong - Telegram 252
... you
"We think you should not be prepared to consult with them
on any other basis than the possible extension of the existing arrangements for another year ....
... we do not think that De Geer's statement to Goldsmith could properly cover restraint requests on items now under EA's
could not fairly be accused of intransigence for declining to go outside Agenda ... there are considerable tactical advantages to be gained from as long postponment as possible of what would be a potentially embarrassing occassion of great significance to all those concerned at present to resist American pressures .... important not to agree even to extension of existing arrangements unless the factual basis fully justifies this ... if figures are supplied inconveniently late for us to make useful contribution to your malysis we will rely on your judgement for outcome of negotiations."
23rd April Hong Kong to F.C.O. - Telegram 319
Hong Kong tells Swedes that only authorised to discuss prolongation of existing arrangements.
/30th April