"
SECRET
I
5. In fact, I understand that the Secretary of State for Trade is not proposing to include Hong Kong goods in the list of selective controls now under consideration. This being the case, it would clearly resolve the problem of delay if I was in a position to give the Governor a confidential assurance that any selective import controls announced in the near future will not include Hong Kong products. I believe that we could then go ahead with the announcement of the Defence Costs Agreement on Tuesday next as proposed. On the other hand, if this is not possible, I think we must accept that the announcement of the Agreement will be postponed.
6. I shall be meeting the Governor again on Monday afternoon and should therefore be grateful for guidance on this point before then. Meanwhile, an Answer to the PQ and a Press statement (which will have to be agreed with the Governor) are being drafted and will be circulated on Monday after my meeting with him.
7. I am copying this minute to the other Members of OPD, the Secretaries of State for Trade and for Industry, and to Sir John Hunt.
5 December 1975
WTR
William Rodgers
SECRET