TNAG-0045-FCO40-81-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 182

CONFIDENTIAL

Hong Kong and the Common Market Supplementary Brief

Since the last brief was written there have been further

developments on the question of Britain's possible entry into the E.E.C. The Foreign Secretary and the Chancellor of the Duchy of

Lancester have been conducting probings with the Six and a study in

depth has been carried out on the likely consequences if Britain

were to enter the Community on the basis of the Treaty of Rome

and subsequent regulations.

As a result of this the Prime Minister

made his statement in the House of Commons on 10 November when he

announced

(a) that the Heads of Government of E.F.T.A. countries would be

invited to London early in December to consider the next

steps in their approach to the Community and

(b) that he and the Foreign Secretary would visit the capitals

of the Six to ascertain at the highest level whether the

conditions existed

K

or did not exist for fruitful

negotiations for our accession which would meet our

essential interests and those of Commonwealth countries.

The Prime Minister indicated that we would be in touch with

Commonwealth countries at all stages of probing and subsequent

negotiations, if these materialised. The Prime Minister's statement

was telegraphed to Hong Kong on the LPS Service. A copy is attached

to this brief.

2.

Subsequently there was a two day debate in the House of Commons

on this issue on 16 and 17 November. This revealed strong support

for the new initiative from both sides of the House. The statement

has also been well received in EFTA countries and has been welcomed

CONFIDENTIAL

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