Registry
No.
SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
Top Secret.
Secret.
Confidential.
Restricted.
Unclassified.
PRIVACY MARKING
„In Confidence
DRAFT LETTER
To:-
Mr Jordan
Director of Commerce Hong Kong
Type 1 +
FROM
M D Butler
Telephone No. Ext.
w/13
Department
CC
Sir Murray
MacLehose KCMG
Hong Kong.
Sir Michael
Palliser KCMG
UKREP Brussels
Mr Dodge
Hong Kong Office Brussels
Mr Sellars
Hong Kong Office London
1.
You may recall that during your visit to London
earlier this month you discussed separately with
Mr Royle and myself your suggestion that the United
Kingdom might propose soon to the Community that the
1974 Review of its Generalised Scheme of Preferences
might be started early in the year with a view to
reaching decisions for 1975 somewhat before the end
of the year.
I have now seen the Governor's telegram
No 1478 from which I see that you have discussed your
suggestion with him.
2.
P Preston, Esq
DTI
As I said when we met in London, I see much merit
in trying to get the Community's GSP for 1974 settled,
if at all possible, several months before the end of
the year.
Quite apart from the obvious advantages
to exporters and importers of knowing fairly well in
advance about measures which will affect trading
conditions in 1975 there would also be advantage to
the Community if the GSP did not have to be settled
in the last month of the year at a time when almost
certainly a number of decisions on other important
issues will have to be taken.
3. But we must consider carefully how best the idea
should be presented within the Community in order that
it will stand a fair chance of being agreed. As I said
in London the best tactic appears to be to try to
encourage the Commission itself to propose this to the
/Member
(17260) Dd.897459 400m 12/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
(16940) Dd.897300 400m 9/72 G.W.9.Ltd. Gy.863
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