TNAG-0047-FCO40-83-Britain-s-entry-into-EEC-effect-on-trade-with-Hong-Kong-1967 — Page 51

CONFIDENTIAL

ANNEX

Agreed statement to Press by Mr. Cowperthwaite

on his return to Hong Kong

We had two days of helpful discussions with officials

of the Commonwealth Office and of other Departments in

Whitehall. I explained in detail the various implications

of Britain's application to join the E.E.C. for Hong Kong's

trading and other interests. Using the results of several

studies prepared in recent months and considered by the

Director of Commerce and Industry's Advisory Boards and by

Executive Council, we explored various ways in which these

interests could best be safeguarded. We have certain ideas

which I shall be reporting to the Governor in Council but

we agreed that, until such time as negotiations with the

Six look imminent, no firm decision need be taken.

Generally it can be said that the probable conse-

quences of the loss of preferential access to the British

market for Hong Kong exports look less serious now than they

did five years ago.

But the situation will have to be

closely watched as it develops.

CONFIDENTIAL