what the EEC proposals on treatment of Hong Kong will be. It seems best that we should first see what the EEC have to say and meanwhile keep our powder dry. Meanwhile, the possibility of giving Hong Kong autonomy in conduct of her commercial affairs is being investigated and, if it proves possible to arrange this, it may enable Hong Kong to acquire de facto application in the GATT.
Runes.
(G. F. Kinnear) 16 June, 1970.