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in hand which would bring Hong Kong's new quotas much nearer to 1976 levels than were those proposed in the initial offer. (This must remain confidential for the moment).
Hong Kong is much incensed by a tough press statement which Tran van Thinh, the Commission Chief Negotiator, made on Friday. 4 November and there is currently a real risk of a breakdown. But I hope tempers will cool and I see no reason why a satisfactory bargain should not be struck in the Hong Kong negotiations.
8 November 1977,
JA Stern
European Integration Department (External)
CC:
Mr Butler
Mr Murray
Mr Hall
Stewart HKGD
Mr Winchester SED
Mr O'Neill SAD
Mr Simons SEAD
Mr Ure SAmD
Mr Elliott
UKREP Brussels
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