DRAFT
MR DELL'S MEETING WITH GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG TUESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 1977
Introduction
The main points which the Governor is likely to make are:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
The EEC proposals for cut-backs on Hong Kong trade go far beyond the
récent US/Hong Kong agreement which marks the limit to what Hong Kong
can accept (this provides for no overall growth in 1978 and 6% growth
in subsequent years);
Other importing countries who have concluded bilateral agreements with
Hong Kong under the present MFA (Canada, Sweden Norway) would expect
similar treatment if the EEC got its way. And the USA would review its
agreement; and
In any case the EEC proposals in themselves would be a severe blow to the
Hong Kong economy;
The UK would be held responsible for Cpolicy and might lose major
contracts.
Line to Take
1
2
-
Surprised at cut-backs in trade Member States have only just received
Commission proposals for the eight most sensitive products. working on proposals for other products
Commission still
The UK has not advocated trade-cut-backs in Brussels and has insisted
on fair treatment for Hong Kong. Note that other dominants will be
treated equally severely (Taiwan. South Korea)
شما
3
Proposals not yet agreed by Member States. But we would not hold up
progress in the bilaterals by standing out against trade cut-backs.
Importance of substantial improvements in the operation of the MFA for UK
1