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W(S)L 51-7405

CONFIDLITIAL

solutions for Hong Kong, [and nor ex

ve likely

to de 39 before the UK meeting with Hong.

Kong officials, it is believed that they

are thinking in terms of Hong Kong's inclusion

in the Generalised Preference Scheme subject

to certain reservations. This was the

gist of a conversation at the beginning of

November between Sir C. O'Neill and the

Chairman of the Six at Deputy level.

UNCTAD Scheme

14. Jerlier this year the chances of Hong

Kong's inclusion within the bencficieries

under the UKOTAR Scheme appeared slight.

These chances now scem to have improved,

an improvement which must be due, in part at

least, to the strenuous efforts made on

Hong Kong's behalf by HMC. It now appears possible that the Community will include

Hong Kong, on a restricted basis; in that

case the Americans may well follow suit,

and the Japanese also, although possibly

with greater restrictions than the Community

ni at apply. We intend to continue, at

the negotiating table and outside, to press

the Six for Hong Kong's inclusion. The

Governor has indicated some rese_vations

about this line, arguing that it might be

batter to krep separate the two concepts

of Hong Kong's inclusion under UNCTAD and

benefit for Hong Kong in our negotiations.

lo will be necessary at the meeting with

Hong Kong officials to explain our reasons

CONFIDENTIAL

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