Was it not??
CONFIDENTIAL
been publicly welcomed as such by responsible figures in Hong Kong.
To do otherwise only played into the hands of Japanese and
American protectionists, and did not advance Hong Kong's cause
either in the UK or the EEC.
6. Mr Blaker may reassure Dir Y K Kan that we shall indeed press
most resolutely for the inclusion of Hong Kong's textiles and
footwear in the Community scheme from 1975 onwards.in accordance
encourage with our undertaking of 6 November. We are also proposing to the
of to Commission
embark on the 1974 Annual Review in the
early spring, the object being to try to reach final decisions on the
GSP for 1975 well before the end of the year. This is what Hong Kong
wants, so that contracts for 1975 can be made in good time. It
would be helpful if Mr Blaker could add that our decision to work
through the Commission was taken because we think that tactically
this is likely to be more successful. In của m Hong Kong's
commercial objectives we have denied ourselves the political
advantage to be gained vis-a-vis Hong Kong opinion by making a public
approach to the Community.
cinetues
We therefore hopet influential figures
will
als
in Hong Kong (such as Sir Y K Kan), take every opportunity to
support HMG's line and to quell local criticism.
Hong Kong and Indian Ocean Department
11 January 1974
Сал
ove
say
IK membership will /she
eventually help Hk?
CONFIDENTIAL