PA
CONFIDENTIAL
BRIEF NO. 26G
SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO CANADA AND NEW YORK
13-24 SEPTEMBER, 1969
UK/CANADA BILATERAL PROBLEMS
HONG KONG/CANADIAN TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS
128
Hong Kong has entered into a number of undertakings with
importing countries to restrain the volume of its exports in
non-cotton textiles; these are usually negotiated on an annual
basis. Their undertaking to Canada expires on 30 September and
the Canadian Government sent a delegation to Hong Kong in August
to negotiate a new agreement, as well as the renewal of separate
arrangements covering cotton textiles. However, for reasons
concerned with considerations of UK policy in relation to such
arrangements, we found it necessary to ask Hong Kong to defer
substantive discussions on mon-cotton textiles. We understand
that the Canadian team felt somewhat aggrieved when they were told
this after their arrival.
There have since been extensive discussions in London with
The Canadians happen to have a
Hong Kong representatives.
delegation in Hong Kong at the present time for discussions with
China on wheat; if it is available to do so, the delegation is
prepared to take up the textile discussions with Hong Kong, and it
has now been decided that negotiations can be held during this week.
Agreement should be quickly reached, and it is unlikely that this
matter will remain a contentious issue by the time the Secretary
of State visits Canada.
CONFIDENTIAL
RF I'VED IN
RC No.51
25 SEP 1969
HKK 6/21/1
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