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p.ak
Brief No. 6
VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG
APRIL 1970
CONDUCT OF COMMERCIAL RELATIONS
SPEAKING NOTES
Wherever it is possible to do so, you can be sure
that the conduct of your commercial relations will be left
in your very competent hands. But, as you know, there are
occasions when it is appropriate (even necessary) that
Her Majesty's Government should take the lead in
representing your interests: this is usually where issues
of international commercial policy have arisen involving
both our interests. On all such occasions your
representatives will of course be able to take a full
part in the proceedings or negotiations as members of the
United Kingdom delegation.
I can see that from time to time there must be some
conflict between United Kingdom and Hong Kong interests in
the field of international commercial policy. This seems
more likely to arise in international policy on textiles.
I hope that in most cases the fullest exchange of views
and arguments on such issues will lead to the satisfactory
resolution of any conflict.
Very occasionally it may be necessary for me to
consider whether you should be asked to follow a course
you consider to be against Hong Kong's best interest. I
give you an assurance that in such cases the arguments and /considerations
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