is in the wider interest that we should be able to judge the appropriate time for an approach to the US. Accordingly, rather than delegate the authority now and have an argument later about when it should be used, we would prefer to delegate the authority when the US textile situation is clearer.
5. We agree with what you and Sir E MeMille say about Hong Kong's representation in the GATT. We see no reason why Hong Kong should not be separately represented in the limited field of textiles, if this is acceptable to our principal trading partners and the Director- General of GATT. We therefore agree that Sir E Melville should be asked to take soundings in Geneva.
6. I am sorry we were not able to reply before Wilford left, but I understand you will be able to convey these thoughts to him.
7.
I am copying this letter to Carey and leeres in Technology and to Sir E Melville. I should add that I would like to let our Ministers know of what is proposed before we finally commit HMG.
Yours sincerely,
2.8.1 well
Dictated but signed in the absence of
I PAM
CRE 1