TNAG-0046-FCO40-82-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 34

CONFIDENTIAL

BRITAIN AND THE E.E.C.

BRIEF FOR SECOND ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS WITH

HONG KONG OFFICIALS

OBJECTIVE

At the end of the last round of consultatious, 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 officials what if any steps we might

take in negotiations with the Community to safeguard Hong

Kong's essential interests.

entirely without commitment.

The talks will continue to be

The final decision on the safe-

guards 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

2. The background information on Hong Kong trade, on the

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

contained in paragraphs 3-8 of EURO (67)97 of 7 July remains

valid.

The European Commission's Report

In addition, the European Commission's Report on

our application has become available since the last round

of talks, and this contains several clues on the

Commission's likely attitude to Hong Kong. (The

Governments of the Six will not necessarily agree with

what the Commission say. But this is bound to have

significant influence on them):

CONFIDENTIAL

13.