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Mr. Wilford
I have not closely studied (and do not believe you would want
me to) the subject matter of the letter at (35) from Derek Jones
to Shaun Stewart, which was copied to you and, among others,
Mr. Gallagher. The letter is another episode in the hard fought
campaign between Stewart and Hong Kong, over the hypothetical
question whether the UK has as good a case as Hong Kong has conceded
to others to call upon Hong Kong to restrain some of its non-cotton
textile exports to this country.
2. I do not think this correspondence is serving any useful
purpose. Temperatures are alowly rising and it is creating a
climate of opinion in which a fair settlement of what may eventually
become a real issue between the UK and Hong Kong (the volume of
the Colony's textile trade with ourselves) may be prejudiced.
I can foresee the day when what ought to be negotiations ab initio
are punctuated by references to this tedious correspondence.
3. I have wondered therefore how to bring it to a close.
Herbert Stewart has had a discreet word with Jordan and found him
inclined to let the correspondence lapse. He will find it easier
to do so, I think, if we could arrange that (35) goes unanswered.
For this reason I suggest it would be helpful if you were to write
(or speak to) Mr. Carey. I have drafted accordingly.
1 December, 1969
bu. 5.
Carter
(W. S. Carter)
Hong Kong Department
Mr.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.