Sir C. O'Neill
Mr. Tickell
CONFIDENTIAL
Mr. Bottomilly
Talks
1
Talks with Hong Kong
We are due to have talks with Hong Kong officials, beginning
on 23 November, about the effect on Hong Kong of our entry into the
BEC, and the possible negotiating position we might adopt on behalf
of the Colony.
2. The following agenda has been croposed by the Governor, and
agreed by KING ;-
1.
Hong Kong in the context of Britain/EEC negotiations
in the light of progress to date, with special reference
to
(a) the formulation of proposals to put to the EEC for
the protection of Hong Kong interests;
(b) the relationship between entry negotiations
and Generalised Preferences:
(c) transitional arrangements, particularly the rate of
application of the ET;
1
(ā) British proposals for imposition of a tariff on Commonwealth
cotton textiles in 1972, with particular reference to (c); and
(e) any other possible methods of affording relief cr
compensation to Hong Kong for the effects of British entry.
2. Generalised Preferences in the wider context and the
tactics to be adopted vis-a-vis major donors'.
It is hoped to deal with items 1 (a), (c) and (e) at the session dealing
directly with our EC negotiatione. It is possible that we shall need to
touch on (b) also, although a more detailed discussion of Generalised
Freferences as envisaged under Point 2 of the Agenda should take place
at a different session.
13.