TNAG-0135-FCO40-171-Tariff-preferences-for-developing-countries-1969 — Page 39

CONFIDENTIAL

Hong Kong

14. The situation for Hong Kong still remains relatively

gloomy but there is little more that can be done at this

stage to assist me and the rest of the British delegation in

conducting this fight. It is possible that, as a result of

our continuous lobbying, some form of reasonable "competitive

need" formulae will be adopted by both the U.S. and the EEC,

and that they will then include Hong Kong as a beneficiary on

these terms in which case most of the other countries will

probably fall into line. But the situation as at present is

very uncertain and fluid and it will not be helped when the

developing countries come into the picture later on in the

UNCTAD. In my view all that can be done is to continue

plugging away in the OECD until final and irrevocable positions

are taken. This is not much to say at this stage, I admit,

but it is the best that I can think of at the moment.

later stage it might be necessary for HMG to make

representations in certain capitals, but that would be a "last

shot" effort which in my view should be held in reserve.

At a

The time to play that card has not come yet and there are

probably several rounds to go before the die is finally cast.

DJCJ/mms

Distribution:

Director, Hong Kong (3 copies)

A.L.; A.B.; A.W.

Mr.

Mr.

Goldsmith) Board of Trade

Kemmis

Mr. Fall, UKMIS, Geneva.

Mr. Muir, UKDEL OECD, Paris.

Mr. Hannay, UnDEL to EEC, Brussels.

CONFIDENTIAL