TNAG-0046-FCO40-82-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 227

CONFIDENTIAL

ANNEXE C

GUIDANCE NOTES FOR PRESS INTERVIEW

(to be used only if necessary)

The discussions were held in the Commonwealth Office and

the chair was taken by Sir Arthur Snelling, Deputy Under- Secretary of State, who accompanied the Secretary of State (Mr. Fowder) on his recent visit to Hong Kong. They were

attended by officials from the main economic departments in

Whitehall, The discussions lasted three days and covered the

ground in considerable detail.

The discussions had three purposes:

2.

(a)

3.

to inform the Hong Kong side of the present state

of play of the British application and the likely

time-table during the next few months;

(b) to examine the possible implications of full

British Membership of the European Economic

Community for Hong Kong;

(c) to explore possible ways in which Hong Kong's

essential interests could best be safeguarded in

negotiations with the Six.

It was not the intention to reach any definitive conclusions

but both sides agreed that a number of ideas which had emerged

from this week's discussions should be examined further.

4.

It is expected that a further round of discussions will be

held later on, perhaps in the early autumn, although firm dates

were not fixed.

5. The role played in Hong Kong's economic development during

the past few years by the Commonwealth preference system and by

the access available for cotton textiles in Britain and the

Six is fully understood in Whitehall.

6. There can be no doubt about Her Majesty's Government's

interest and concern for Hong Kong's continued economic well-being.

CONFIDENTIAL