9
If these measures are now adopted by the French Government,
then, since they do not affect Hong Kong, we will be able to
continue the exports of the products concerned to France
in accordance with the provisions of the EEC/Hong Kong
bilateral agreement.
return to normal within the next few days, the Government
will obviously have to take the matter up again with the
appropriate authorities in Paris and Brussels on an urgent
If however the situation does not
basis.
As far as the actual trade effects are concerned,
I understand that shipments of the goods concerned which
were made before the introduction of the French measures
on 23 June have entered France and there are no remaining
difficulties in respect of such shipments. The effect
on goods already ordered but not yet shipped has been,
however, a different matter. I understand that in view of
the uncertainties involved, some French importers have
asked Hong Kong exporters to stop shipments. But, as I said,
we hope that the situation will return to normal in a few
days time.
Now, sir, I turn, as requested by Mr. Tien, to
the umbrella under which all this activity does, or rather
should, take place. I refer to the GATT Multi-Fibre
Arrangement; although one might be forgiven in view of
what I have just said about Canada, Australia and France
for thinking that it is a very leaky umbrella.
/The
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