TNAG-0153-FCO40-189-Exports-of-cotton-textiles-to-Canada-1969 — Page 102

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Mr. Wilford

ord

The Board of Trade have agreed to the Governor's proposal in telegram 659 that one of his officers should come to London to express Hong Kong's views before textile policy proposals are put to Ministers.

I told Mr. Dunnett that we thought the best timing would be in a week and he agreed while pointing out that Mr. Hughes will still be on leave. I said that Hong Kong's object was to be heard before policy proposals were put to Ministers and the

most effective timing for this would be before the PCO meeting still scheduled for 5 September, although Mr. Dunnett did say that it was very possible that the Board of Trade's official

differences would not be resolved before the matter went to the

President. Obviously they are not anxious to exhibit those

differences to the Hong Kong officer but they will do their

best to arrange that the Hong Kong representative is seen at

the appropriate level. Of course we shall have to do the same

in this Office.

Much will depend on the Governor's choice of a representa- tive. It seems to me to boil down to a choice between Sir John

Cowperthwaite, Mr. Jordan and Mr. Jones. I am beginning to think it likeliest that Cowperthwaite will come in which case Sir Antony Part would, I understand, be available and the Board of Trade would try to arrange a meeting.

I submit a draft telegram.

(Á. H. Stewart) Hong Kong Department

22 August, 1969

Copy to:

Mr. Preston (Commodities Department)

Тел. хоратлад

22

Mis

18.