TNAG-0045-FCO40-81-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 79

CONFIDENTIAL

new Federation of Malaysia.

There is thus no direct precedent

for particular measures to protect Singapore's interests. But our High Commission are exploring the possibilities with

the Singapore Government. We shall be happy to consider any

suggestions which the Singapore Government care to make.

For use only if Mr. Lee raises the subject

Association under Part IV of the Treaty of Rome

7. We see no prospect of socuring for Singapore's exports

either preferential access to an enlarged Community or

whether by

continued preferential treatment in Britain -

association under Part IV or any other means. In the previous

nogotiations, we accepted the contention of the Six that

association could not be extended to independent Commonwealth

countries in Asia. We could not reasonably make a special case

for Singapore and we are not willing to reopen the general

question. It is clear that the Six regard association under

Part IV as appropriate only for developing countries with an

economic structure similar to that of the Community's existing

African associates. They do not regard it as appropriate

for countries with established manufacturing industries.

Commonwealth Office, London, S.W.1

21 June, 1967

CONFIDENTIAL