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Following from Caren
EEC Generalised Preferences Scheme
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Brussels
We had useful discussions this morning with
FCO and DTI officials on next steps to be taken on
the
the question of how best to deal with the problems
which the Commission has in respect of Hong Kong.
The consensus was that at this stage it was
advisable that Hong Kong officials/should meet
(fr Dedge).
bilaterally with the Commission at the earliest possible
opportunity for "technical discussions" aimed at
establishing the full reasons for the EEC's concern
and if this includes the possibility of exclusions to
seek as far as possible the justification for and scope
of any moves proposed and how the Commission might
implement them. Should these proposed moves involve
discrimination against/Hong Kong in any form whatsoever
(including additions to the textiles and footwear
exclusions list) it was agreed that Hong Kong officials
should formally refer to the Community's statement
(CODEL Telegram 16 of 12th January 1971 para 3(b)) that
any special preference conditions should not in their
application give rise to discriminatory elements and
also to Mr. Rippon's statement in reply that it was
the continuing concern of HMG to avoid discrimination
against Hong Kong in favour of its principal competitors
among the developing countries (CODEL Telegram No. 72
of 2 February 1971 para 3). When the outcome of these
consultations was known, if necessary, further
(discussions) could then be held with HMG to consider
therh
HMG t