TNAG-0137-FCO40-173-Supply-of-political-and-economic-information-to-Hong-Kong-to-1969 — Page 44

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Reference..

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Mr. Smalimah (Commonwealth Co-ordination Dept.) Mr. Morgan (Western European Dept.) minutia Waw Mr. Aiers/South West Pacific Dept.)

Mr. Gordon (South East Asia Dept.) Mr. Murray (Far Eastern Dept.) munte. No objection Mr. Wilson (Southern Africa Dept.)

The Hon. J. Wilson West African Dept.) Mr. Robinso (European Integration Dept.) Mr. Wiggin (American Dept.)

In Malls (Personnel

Policy Dept)

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Mr Leahy

10 Dept)

No objecan

ko objutin

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Mr. Britten (Trade Policy Dept.) Mint JMK4 8769

Request by Hong Kong for General Political and Economic Information

Hong Kong is seeking from selected posts copies of general reports on political and economic develop- ments in the countries concerned, for use in connection with the conduct of its commercial relations. The background to this request is set out in my exchange of minutes with Mr. Britten (Trade Policy Department) who is prepared to agree with it as far as his responsibilities are concerned.

The posts are those listed in the draft letter enclosed with the Political Adviser's letter of 3 February.

2. I would emphasise that the interests of Hong Kong alone of all our dependent territories justify this special "service" and no awkward precedent will therefore be established. If the point Mr. Maddocks makes in paragraph 3 of his letter of 26 April is correct namely, that we pass to independent Commonwealth Governments the information Hong Kong is seeking it is quite inconsistent that we should refuse it to a Colony whose interests we represent abroad and for which we are responsible.

3. I must also stress that Hong Kong is not looking for detailed information or for information about "market opportunities" (in which field it could perhaps be regarded, to a limited extent, as the UK's competitor), but for broad assessments of political developments and economic policy in the countries concerned. It would, for example, have helped Hong Kong in framing instructions for its textile negotiations with the Swedes in June/July last year if

there had been available to it some appraisal of

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