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damaging precedent for action by the United States and Japan.
22. Line to Take: The undertaking by the Chancellor of the
Duchy in Brussels on 6 November was a major political effort
by HMG on behalf of Hong Kong. During the entry negotiations
in 1971 we fought hard to get Hong Kong included in the
Community's GSP. They eventually agreed to do so, with the
exception only of textiles and footwear. We have put them on
notice that this discrimination against Hong Kong is no longer
acceptable.
23. (For ExCo and LegCo only) We will do our best in the
1974 annual review.
cannot dictate to the Community. We will discuss tactics and
But we cannot promise success, since we
timing with the liong Kong Government.
Meanwhile they could
themselves step up their own bilateral contacts with the members
of the Community on whom, with us, the final decision will
depend. It is in Hong Kong's direct interest to welcome what
we have already done. Their industry's complaints that we have
not done enough will encourage restrictionist .tendencies in
Japan and the United States.
AIR SERVICES (Brief no. 6)
24. HMG conduct negotiations for licensing scheduled air
services at Kai Tak on behalf of both Hong Kong and the UK.
This has caused problems in the past. One point which may be
raised is that Hong Kong want to develop their contacts with
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/Scandinavia