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alternative but to apply the Community's GSP scheme as it
stood.
In his personal telegram No 737 to the Governor
Sir D Watson confirmed that we shall be submitting to
Ministers on the possibility of re-opening the issue in
Brussels. Mr Royle may wish to tell the Governor that this
submission is being prepared and that we shall keep him
informed of the decision as soon as it is taken. The
Minister may like to add that any negotiations in Brussels,
which might follow on a favourable ministerial decision would,
as pointed out by Sir D Watson, be very difficult, and we
cannot guarantee the outcome.
J
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department
7 September 1973
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