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DRAFT: Telegram to UKDEL:EEC Brussels
Confidential
Your telegram No.239 of 5 November.
E.B.C. Common Commercial Policy Hong Kong.
We appreciate the consideration which you mention in favour of leaving these discussions until Ernst comes to London in December, On the other hand the suggestion that Goldsmith and others might come to Brussels during November to discuss the common commercial policy as it affects Hong Kong came from Ernst in the first place (Goldsmith's letter to Hannay of 22 October refers).
Clearly the days of the Summit meeting would not be a suitable time, but perhaps during the rest of that week a day might be available.
2.
Accordingly we would be glad if an approach could be made to Ernst on the lines that he and other Commission
Officials concerned would be welcome to have talks in London on December 2 on the Common Commercial Policy as it may affect Hong Kong, on textiles, and on any other issues of commercial policy such as preferences that they might like to discuss: if on the other hand, as Ernst at one time suggested, it would be more convenient to him for Goldsmith and Carey to come to Brussels in November e.g. between the 19th and 21st., we would be glad to fall in with that.
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3. One relevant consideration is that the longer we wait before talking the greater is the risk that the Council will be committed to proposals detrimental to Hong Kong. We would be glad to have your views on this. If a delay from, say 20th November to 2nd December is likely to make a significant difference, we would be glad if, in putting the above alterna- tives to Ernst, somewhat more emphasis could be given to the second.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.