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meetings in Paris and Geneva and have been able to exchange views with them very fully, We would not want to irritate them unnecessarily by representations at a higher or more formal level that might throw doubt on our confidence in their ability to report our views fairly.
Hitherto all the But my main objection is a more tactical one. substantive discussions between prospective donor countries about the scope of the preferences scheme have taken place in the O.E.C.D. meetingı
The only diplomatic or between Group B delegations at UNCTAD meetings. representations of which I am aware have been those by the Americans (and two or three other countries at their instigation).to seek a state- ment of intention from the U.K. on the reverse preferences which we are given by some developing Commonwealth countries. I think there could be considerable embarrassment in following the Americans in the use of diplomatic pressure to urge the Six to make liberal offers or to give liberal treatment to Hong Kong; nor do I think that the Hong Kong
It would Government would necessarily want us to do so at this stage. be a mistake to regard only the E.E.C. as of importance in this connection; the attitude of the United States will be equally critical from Hong Kong's point of view and, until it is declared, the E.E.C. can reasonably argue that they are not in a position to commit themselves. I should therefore prefer to withhold our diplomatic fire until we can be clearer precisely what representations would be worth making.
I am copying this to Ray Britten in the F.C.0., Derek Jones (who may want to offer his views) and Brian Fall in Geneva.
(R. Goldsmith).
Confidentin
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