TNAG-0144-FCO40-180-Exports-of-textiles-to-United-States-of-America-1969 — Page 160

CONFUENTIAL

therefore a danger that he may conclude that unilateral action

by the US is the only solution when her interests are at stake.

For this reason it is important that we should not reject

Mr. Stans' proposals too flatly and that we should show understand

-ing for his domestic difficulties. To help ier. Stans

presentationally it would be useful if we could be as forthcoming

as possible in any cases where the Americans may seek our help in

achieving freer trade («.5. in the QATT discussions on non-tariff

barriers).

Agenda

3. There is no set agenda for the discussions. The Board of

Trade have therefore prepared briefs (in consultation with

departments concerned) en a contingency basis for a number of

items which might be raised either by Mr. Stans or by the British

side. A complete set has already been sent to you direct.

These are very lengthy, but the steering brief sommarises the

issues involved. The following further points may be useful i-

Textiles (Brief No. 4)

4. This is the central issue for Mr. Stans. It is recommended

that Mr. Mulley should support the line in the Talking roints.

Mr. Mulley should know that the objections to proposals te

restrict imports of non-cotton textiles have been emphasised in

all the capitals Mr. Stans has so far visited and have also been

pointed out to him forcibly by the Director-General of Gatt. 5. Mr. Stans may raios Hong Kong's exports of non-gottan

textiles to the U.S.A. The President of the Board of Trade will

presumably take the lead in replying}

paragraph 11 of the

/"Talking Points"

CONFIDENTIAL