TNAG-0044-FCO40-80-Exports-to-the-Benelux-countries-aide-memoires-1967 — Page 202

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CONFIDENTIAL

COPY FOR REGISTRATION

OUTWARD TELEGRAM

FROM THE COMMONWEALTH OFFICE

(The Secretary of State)

TO HONG KONG (Sir D. Trench)

Cypher

Sent 22 May, 1967.

141 OZ

PRIORITY

CONFIDENTIAL

No. 992

Following telegram of 22 May from Brussels addressed to Hong Kong No.8 repeated for information to Commonwealth Office No.3.

Begins.

!4)

From Martin. -

Cotton Textiles Exports from Hong Kong to

Benelux Countries.

I have seen Commonwealth Office telegram No. 966 and I have this morning spoken to both de Waard of Holland and de Theulegoed of Belgium.

2.

Both representatives informed me that it would be virtually impossible to lift the temporary import restrictions pending consultations. De Waard emphasised the present critical condition of the Dutch textile industry and de Theulegoed said that without temporary restraint there might well be a rush for import licences it being implied that the Benelux countries wish for restraints would become known generally.

30

Neither representative had seen your telegram indicating that consultations could take place in Hong Kong and while de Waard thought that such an arrangement would be considered, de Theulegoed thought it was not feasible but that perhaps any discussions could be left to the Belgium Consul General.

I hope I shall hear more from the Benelux representatives in the next few days.

40

LACT

REF

RC.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE DISTRIBUTION

Copies sent to:-

Hong Kong Government Office

Mr. Sedgwick

Foreign Office

11

#1

19

Ends.

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr. Wilcock Mr. Gordon

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No. 63

3 UMAY 190/

Hey B 6%