being thrown back more and more on her own resources to maintain
her competitiveness and the access to the export markets she must
have.
7. It seems to me therefore a particularly appropriate time
for us to make a gesture which would give Hong Kong some practical
help with her economic problems as well as aiming to improve our
position as a supplier of the equipment she needs for her
development.
If we do not grasp the opportunity I have little
doubt the Japanese or someone else will do so.
8. I am sending copies of this minute to Richard Wood and
Anthony Royle.
DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY,
J.E.H.D.
1, VICTORIA STREET,
S.W.1.
15 February, 1971