TNAG-0046-FCO40-82-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 129

CONFIDENTIAL

BRITAIN AND THE E.E.C:

BRIEF FOR SECOND ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS WITH

HONG KONG OFFICIALS

E 47(1)

OBJECTIVE

At the end of the last round of consultations, which were

held in London from 10 to 12 July, it was agreed that a further

round should be held about two months later. The object of the

second round, as of the first, will be to discuss with Hong

Kong cfficials what if any steps we might take in negotiations

with the Community to safeguard Hong Kong's essential interests.

The talks will continue to be entirely without commitment.

final decision on the safeguards which we should try to secure

for Hong Kong rests with the British Government and must be

taken in the context of our overall negotiating position and

tactics.

BACKGROUND

20

The

The background information on Hong Kong trade, on the

1961/63 negotiations and on the likely attitude of the Six con-

tained in paragraphs 3 to 8 of EUR(0) (67) 97 of 7 July remains

valid.

POINTS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS ROUND

OF CONSULTATIONS

At the

30 The U.K. record of the previous round, which was not shown

to Hong Kong officials, has already been circulated.

conclusion of those consultations, a short agreed note was also

approved by both Delegations, and a copy is at Annex A.

4. The Hong Kong Delegation are likely, during the next round,

to wish to discuss the following points.

(a) The effect of U.K. entry into the E.E.C. on

(7)

Hong Kong's rights under the G.A.T.T.

Textiles

(c) Hong Kong's other exports

(a) Theoretical possibilities for dealing with

Hong Kong's problems in the context of the

CONFIDENTIAL

/U.K.