Robin Haii.
CONFIDENTIAL
** 2
foreign independent country and not with a dependent territory for whose good government H.M.G. has ultimate responsibility. At the present time there are three matters on which a more understanding and helpful attitude would do much to dispel suspicion about the United Kingdom's attitude
towards the Colony*-
(a) Asia Develoment Benki Mfficulties are being raisod
about M.M.G. giving the necessary guarantee for Hong Kong's membership subscription. These difficulties arise not only from the need to introduce legislation but also from a
reluctance to accept at this stage any additional overseas
liabilities.
(b) Gormon Marketi. It would help in a matter which arouses the
greatest fears in Hong Kong if, when public references are made to safeguarding special Commonwealth interests affected
by Britain's entry into the Common Market, the special position of Hong Kong could be mentioned 1.e. in the same breath as New Zealand's agricultural projects and Commonwealth
sugar,
Jusunance
(c) Information for Hong Kong's Export Credit Guarantee
Corporation: The Corporation was set up to encourage
domestic exporte which are so vital to the economy of Hong Kong. The Corporation is handicapped by lack of information in certain fields. Since Hong Kong does not
have overseas representation this information can only be
obtained if it has access to certain reports prepared by
British posts abroad. Attempts to gain access for Hong Kong
to this material have so far failed.
Other ways in which the situation might be improved ares-
(1) Senior Officials or Ministers of other Departments
occasionally to see Unofficial Kembers of Hong Kong's
Councils when they happen to be in the United Kingdom.
(11) The issue of a joint instruction to posts abroad to look
after Hong Kong's interests.
(iii) In particular, posts abroad should help and encourage
Hong Kong representatives to develop contacts with countries in the region and with international organisations (e.g. by arranging introductions).
CONFIDENTIAL
(6) To
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