TNAG-0044-FCO40-80-Exports-to-the-Benelux-countries-aide-memoires-1967 — Page 7

CONFIDENTIAL

}

Hong Kong from the application of the

Agreed linute to the U.K. Overseas Territories -

1

་

for political reasons.

China is very

sensitive to any indications that we might

be formally conceding an independent status

to Hong Kong. If Hong Kong is treated

differently from other U.K. Overseas Territories undoubtedly come sconer citater it would come to the notice

in this case,

A

I suggest that beginning with

of China, with possibly serious consequences.

ous consequences. I beginning

From what I have said, It follows that

amendment of para. 6 of the brief on

paragraph 1 (of the Agreed Minute) will be

necessary.

←

5 In para. 4 of the brief on para. 1

(of the Agreed Minute) it is stated that

"the Hong Kong Government conducts an

independent economic policy and negotiates

its own trade arrangements".

the

We would

prefer the words " Hong Kong Government

exercises a wide measure of delegated

5

control over economic policy and in practice

negotiates its own trade arrangements".

This makes it clearer that Hong Kong has

no "de jure" commercial independence.

As regends

ક

with-pofovence to paragraph 3 of the

brief on para 4 (of the Agreed Minute),

Perhaps you could confirm

I believe we are correct in thinking that

the Benelux countries are at present

obliged, under the Long Term Arrangement,

Cotton textiles, to consult Hong Kong on

/changes

CONFIDENTIAL

us" second sentinaj

t

•

somagrapho fecft) show "If the

Benelux countries

the whole

parajvapú shankil kë deleted and the foliowing senten inserted: "If the Bonneux countrie react strongly against the inclusie of An United Kingdo Overseas Testitosúči because of Hong Kong's position, We need not insist on ten point and could

afte

& Us

removal of this préposed sėjėšėmax & the CLEVERA Territorii

I doubt whether it is entirely true to say that The Benelux countrúi acted earlier Limi

to_mstrict

year imports. I suggest

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

that all the wordi ・aft "earlier this year..." be omitted and the words followin words substituted twiffor:

in accordance with t Long Term Arrangement regarding International Trade in Cotton Textiles of octites 1962 to cause Hong to limit its cotton textile exports to those couulnes,