TNAG-0161-FCO40-197-Export-of-textiles-to-Republic-of-Ireland-1969 — Page 33

L

M. H.H; Stewart.

WER 3/9

Miss MacGlashan, Western Reference...

European Dept.

CAPA

H.H. Stewart! Hong Kong

Dept.

K245

RECEIVED IN ARCHIVES No.31 1 3 NOV 1968

HKK6/404/1

Hong Kong complaint about the Irish Republic's Textile Import Restrictions

Thank you for sending these papers to me. There seem to be two main outstanding questions:

2.

(a) Whether Hong Kong wish us to take further

action as suggested in no. 585 Saving of 1 October to Hong Kong.

(b) Whether, if they had asked us to take

action, it should be the responsibility of Commodities and Oil Department to carry it out.

As to question (a), I understand that Hong Kong have not yet expressed their wishes.

3. As to (b), it seems to me that this is an instance of Hong Kong's seeking our assistance and support in a matter concerning:

4.

(i) their relations with one particular

country;

(ii) their request to be wholly exempted from,

or at least relieved from some of the effects of, quota restrictions which they believe have led to the reduction of their exports to the Irish Republic.

Of course, the restrictions in question, and the exports affected, are in the field of textiles but I think that this is really an incidental feature of the case. The Irish have applied restrictions to protect sensitive industries. This I think should be looked at primarily from the point of view of Irish trade policies and their effect on the export earnings of Hong Kong rather than from the point of view of policy relating to textiles.

5. It appears to have been the practice in the past (see, e.g Miss Hail's letter of 15 February at enclosure 1) to agree the line to be taken on Hong Kong's requests in this matter with CRE in the Board of Trade. I should have thought it useful to continue that practice for one thing, if a point relating to the mode of operation of the UK or Anglo-Irish arrangements for textiles imports or exports should arise, CRE would make any necessary cross checks with their colleagues concerned.

6. The correspondence could still give rise to some substantive question affecting UK policy relating to textiles and, if this happens,

I should be grateful if I could be consulted.

7. On balance, I think that any further action on Hong Kong's bahalf could best be co-ordina ted between Hong Kong Department and your department. I am accordingly sending a copy of this minute to

(1)