TNAG-0046-FCO40-82-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 38

11.

CONFIDENTIAL

(11) to seek special arrangements for

a more favourable rate of appli-

cation of the common external

tariff than the rate generally

to be applied to Commonwealth

exports to Britain.

(111) to seek preferential access on a

Timited scale to the British

market.

(iv) to propose a bilateral trade

agreement between Hong Kong and

the enlarged Community.

(v) to work out a unilateral declar-

ation by H.M.G. to be made at

the time of signature of the

accession documents, placing on

record Britain's continuing

responsibilities for her Dependent

Territories.

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

Hong Kong's preferential arrangements with

her Commonwealth trading partners other than

Britain.

The record and agreed note bring out the following points

about the thinking of Hong Kong officials.

(a) They have a realistic approach, and are in

particular well aware of the difficulties

we are likely to encounter with the Six.

(b) They recognise that rights of access are

of greater importance to Hong Kong than

tariff levels, and set great store by the

preservation and continued exercise of

their G.A.T.T. rights.

CONFIDENTIAL

/(c)