(134392) Dd. 737115 750M 4/70 Hw.
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Registry No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted. Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
..In Confidence
CONFIDENTIAL
DRAFT
DESPATCH
To:-
His Excellency
Sir David Trench,GCMG, MC
Hong Kong
Type 1 +
From
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
I have the honour to refer to the question of
relations between Her Majesty's Government and the
Government of Hong Kong in matters of overseas trade
including textiles in particular.
2. For some years now it has been clear that the
interests of Hong Kong as a major exporter of
textiles, both cotton and non-cotton, are not
necessarily the same as those of the United Kingdom
who, although herself a substantial exporter,
is
primarily a major importer and domestic producer
of such goods.
3.
Relations in the field of cotton textiles have
evolved gradually over the years and cottons as
such no longer present problems. I have now decided
that it would be in the interests of both the United
Kingdom and Hong Kong if the Government of Hong
Kong were to exercise the same degree of indepndence
of action on non-cotton textiles as at present on
cotton textiles: and I hereby give you authority
to act within the terms of this despatch.
4.
Relations between Her Majesty's Government and
the Government of Hong Kong in the field of cotton
textiles are based on the provisions of the "Heads
of Agreement" negotiated in 1965/66 and regarding
international trade in cotton textiles on the terms
of the Long Term Arrangement (LTA). The United
CONFIDENTIAL
/2.....