TNAG-0160-FCO40-196-Exports-of-textiles-to-Norway-1969 — Page 31

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Hong Kong/Norwegian Negotiations

We agreed that the draft enclosed with your minute to me of 26th September required revision in the light of telegram No.763 from Hong Kong, and I attach a copy of the text revised accordingly, which I shall ask Mr. Carter of the FCO to despatch.

2.

It may be that Hong Kong will not welcome even the mild inter- vention suggested in this telegram. But I understand that at the negotiations at Oslo Miss Welch said that the conclusion was subject to consideration in Hong Kong and London, and that the Hong Kong representatives made no comment. The Norwegians may therefore naturally expect some comment from us. I also feel that there are signs of Hong Kong behaving in a slightly high-handed way, e.g. the reluctance of the Hong Kong delegates even to disclose their negotiating instructions to Miss Welch, and the tone of recent telegrams from Hong Kong both to Washington and to London. It would therefore seem no bad thing to keep our foot in the door.

Mr. Stewart (1.1.)

c.c. Mr. Cartér

(FCO)

Mr. Whitehead (FCO)

(D.I. Dunnett)

CRE:1

1st October, 1969