TNAG-0047-FCO40-83-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 23

CONFIDENTIAL

Six then ask us to impose more onerous terms on Hong Kong's

exports, e.g. new or stricter quantitative restrictions on

imports from Hong Kong, minimum import prices for Hong Kong

placed goods etc., we shall be well pleased to resist such demands

on the grounds that they go beyond British acceptance of the

Treaty of Rome and the decisions subsequently taken by the

Community. (For the special problem of the limitation of

imports of cotton textiles, see Negotiating Brief on Cotton

Textiles.) If nevertheless the Six persist in trying to

impose more onerous conditions, the Delegation should seek

further instructions.

A Declaration of Britain's Continuing Responsibility for

the Welfare of her Dependent Territories

17.

For the reasons set out in paragraph 14 above, officials

consider that to ask that such a declaration should be

annexed to the instruments of Britain's accession would give

the Six an unnecessary opportunity to create difficulties and

would not be in Hong Kong's best interests. To make a

declaration of this kind in some other way at the time of

accession (e.g. by a Parliamentary statement), might prove both

practicable and useful, but this is something about which it

would not be sensible to take a decision until it is known in

what circumstances Britain is joining the Community.

Conclusions

Transitional Period 18. see Negotiating Brief on Transitional

Periods

Cotton Textiles 19. see Negotiating Brief on Cotton Textiles/

Other Special Arrangements for Hong Kong

20. The Delegation should seek none. If the Six attempt

to impose particularly onerous terms on imports from Hong Kong,

this should be resisted. In the last resort the Delegation

should seek further instructions.

/A Declaration

CONFIDENTIAL