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W(B)L 51-7406
seeking Hong Kong's inclusion in the UNCTAD
Scheme for Generalised Preferences for
developing countries.
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We consider it equally important that,
as the Community before or after enlargement,
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formulates its commercial policy towards
Hong Kong, this policy should be as liberal
Once we
in its provisions as possible.
are inside the Community, of course, our
task in protecting Hong Kong's interests
will be to some extent eased..
J.
Addressing myself briefly to the
possible courses of action you mentioned
in your letter I should like to begin by
pointing out that the reduction of
Commonwealth preferences privileges will
have to take place over whatever transitional
period we negotiate for entry into the
Communities. At present we have asked
for a 3-year period for the reduction of
our tariffs vis-a-vis the Community, and
the aplication of the common external
tariff to imports from third countries.
The actual period upon which we and the
Community will eventually settle is still
to be negotiated. The British decision
to impose tariffs on Commonwealth cotton
textiles from 1 January, 1972, was taken
for reasons unconnected with our application
for EBC membership, reasons which still
apply. The question of reducing tariffs
into the enlarged Communities is of course
a subject which can be discussed with the
Hong Kong Government after enlargement
proceedings had concluded, It would not
be prudent for me to speculate on what
would ha
en after enlargement in this