CONFIDENTIAL
BRIEF NO
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG
2-3 NOVEMBER 1972
GENERAL DEFENSIVE BRIEF
Original
The Copy for:
Wkr 30 BV 5
HKK
The 6/8
Misa............ba caly/metien ca
Para(s)
HONG KONG'S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EEC AND THE GATT
10. The inclusion of Hong Kong in the EEC Generalised Preference Scheme is an important concession to Hong Kong.
Detailed discussions
are yet to take place on the alignment of the UK's scheme with that
of the EEC. In recent discussion in Hong Kong Mr Rippon told
the Governor that he thought Hong Kong's representation in Brussels
should continue, attached to HM Embassy. It would not be to
the Colony's advantage for it to form part of the British
representation to the Community. Britain's membership of the
Community should strengthen her hand in opposing restrictive practices,
for example by the French, and preventing other members of the
Community from adopting them.
11. Hong Kong's future position in the GATT after we join the EEC
ehall
was fully discussed by Whitehall officials with the Hong Kong
Financial Secretary and others on 3 October. There was complete
agreement that the best practical solution whereby Hong Kong's
special problems could still be aired in the GATT following our
accession would be for the Hong Kong representative to sit as a
member of the UK delegation (as at present) but with a separate
"UK(Hong Kong)" flag. Hong Kong matters would thus in effect be
excluded from the purview of the Nine. We are now approaching the GATT
on this matter through our Mission in Geneva.
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