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Argument
5.
It is contrary to the Hong Kong Government's open market
trade policy to enter into any kind of Voluntary Restraint
Arrangement. This would be especially so in a case where the
volume of exports is so low. (There is, however, some discrepancy
between UK and Hong Kong statistics). There is, therefore, no
chance of Mr Baker persuading Hong Kong to accept such a radical
new policy departure. It is thus a non-starter and, as the draft
letter shows, there are good political arguments as to why the
subject should not be broached other than in the context of
imports from third countries.
f. Morrice
R D Clift
9 April 1981
се
Mr Donald TRED
Hong Kong and General Department
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MARB 9/4.