TNAG-0132-FCO40-168-Tariff-preferences-for-developing-countries-1969 — Page 113

CONFITENTIAL

6/14

Mr. Britten

United Kingdom Delegation

to the European Communities,

52, Ave des Arts,

Brussels, 4.

14 January, 1969

20

UNCTAD PR

PREFERENCES

In my letter of today's date I have reported on the current state of play in Community discussion of the UNCTAD preference scheme. I should add that, when Tran gave me this information, he reiterated his earlier suggestion (my letter to Goldsmith of 19 December refers) that we should give him privately some indication of Hong Kong's interests. To assist us he passed me a copy of the list prepared by the Commission of sensitive products vis a vis Hong Kong. I enclose this. He was particularly anxious to have our views on this list.

i

2. I gave him no encouragement and explained to him that our first reaction was that we could not get into detailed discussions of this sort in advance of the tabling of offers; but I promised to put the point again to you and to send the list.

3. Entirely separate from this issue there is the question of contacts with Commission officials at the UNCTAD meeting in Geneva on 21 January and I imagine you will also be considering this. Seen from here there would certainly seem to be advantage in having a further discussion with the Commission representatives on that occasion. Such a contact could form the best basis for deciding whether or not to make more formal representations on the Hong Kong issue before the Community attitude has crystallised. On this last point, I would add that Tran was quite categorical that, if we wished to have any effective influence, we should bring it to bear before and not after the formal tabling of offers.

4. You will no doubt be considering these questions and it would be helpful if I could have some indication of your reactions before the Commission delegation go off to Geneva next week. In any case may I emphasise that, in any discussion with Commission officials other than Tran, it is most important that we do not reveal our knowledge of the information contained in my letter under reference.

5. I am sending copies of this letter to J.G. Morris (Board of Trade), G. Whitehead (F.C.0.) and P.H.K. Marshall (UKMIS Geneva).

0.H. Kemmis, Esq., Board of Trade, Victoria Street, London, S.V. 1.

LAST

REF.

19

ONFIDENTIAL

(D.H.A. Hannay)

"Pancition" products = doich suvillane

all the trins & cat-off руша

ffers, studly observed.

J.