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9.
There are other points of potential friction. The
negotiations for a Mass Transit Scheme in Hong Kong are
not going well for the British consortium.
the Japanese and others are in the field.
10.
Strong bids from
Some of these problems may be inescapable, and we
may just have to override Hong Kong's views. But on others,
in particular the air traffic rights, I believe that
Hong Kong's interest could be enough to sway our own decision.
The question of Hong Kong's partial exclusion from the
Community's GSP also needs further examination.
11.
Where I seek your support and what I ask of my colleagues
is that in all matters of these kinds relating to Hong Kong,
the Department directly concerned should remember that HMG
as a whole have a responsibility towards the Colony and
that we must try to reach agreement on a course which seeks
to balance the United Kingdom and the Hong Kong interest
across the whole field.
12. I am sending copies of this minute to the Chancellor
of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Trade 'and Industry,
the Home Secretary, the Secretary of State for Defence,
the Attorney-General and the Minister of Trade and Consumer
Affairs.
A.).
Hj
20 September, 1973
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, SW1:
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