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SECURITY CLASSI
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PRIVACY MARKING
HION
To:-
In Confidence
Type 1 +
From
Telephone No. & Ext.
Department
HONG KONG AND THE JAPANESE GENERALISED PREFERENCE SCHEME
You will remember that during our most useful meet-
ing in New York last October, I stressed the importance
we attach to the inclusion of Hong Kong in the Japanese
scheme of generalised preferences. I was very pleased
therefore, when I saw your statement in the Diet on 23
March recognising Hong Kong's suitability as a benefi-
ciary.
!
I understand, however, that the list of "sensitive"
Hong Kong exports. now under consideration in Tokyo,
giving rise to difficulties. I am sure that such prob-
is
lems need not prevent a meaningful offer to Hong Kong,
and I very much hope that you will find it possible to
include Hong Kong and the other British dependent ter-
ritories from the outset in your preference scheme, as
have the EEC.
I know that the Hong Kong Government stand ready to send officials to Tokyo to discuss any outstanding prob-
lems. I believe that such discussions might lead to a
rapid resolution of the difficulties, and I suggest that
they should, if possible, take place before the end of
this month. In this way, Sir Alec Douglas Home and Mr
Aichi can have before them the necessary details, should
there remain any points still to be cleared up, when they
meet in London next month.