(17865) Dd.145178 400mm 5/73 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863
NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
early to assess this statistically. There is little
sympathy for Hong Kong in several EEC countries (Hong
Kong is currently considering how to improve its image
in Europe) and presentation of a biased, badly argued
memorandum could prove counter-productive.
LINE TO TAKE
6. When this year's GSP review begins in earnest we
shall press for Hong Kong's textile and footwear
exports to be included in the scheme from 1975 onwards.
But it is unrealistic to expect to secure all we want
in one go. This may well be something on which we shall
have to make progress gradually during successive
reviews.
7.
We too are unhappy about the Commission's ideas
for improving access for the poorest countries.
Ministers here have not yet been consulted but we have
said in Brussels, on a personal basis, that the best
way to tackle the problem of access for the poorest
countries seem to us to be to give them duty-free
access without limitation.
But there is a fair amount
of sympathy within the Community for the Commission's
ideas.
8.
(chaft)
We have read your/memorandum and I assume you have
now had detailed discussions on it with the Department
I
There
of Trade and Department of Industry officials.
wonder whether it is prudent to circulate it to other
EEC member states, at least in its present form.
is much suspicion of Hong Kong in some EEC countries
and there is a danger that the exercise could be
counter-productive. If you want to circulate the
memorandum we shall not object but I suggest that in
/places