TNAG-0161-FCO40-197-Export-of-textiles-to-Republic-of-Ireland-1969 — Page 9

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5. Before we seek to take any further steps, we should be grateful for your advice. One point which occurs to me is that the GATT examinɑtion, due in January, of the correctness of our recent Import Deposit Scheme in the light of the rules, will be a significant occasion so far as this Irish dis,ute is concerned. I do not mean that we could use the occasion to com lain but only that if we are not found at fault, we shall be in that much stronger a position to use GATT rules against the Irish. I am enquiring from the Board of Trade what their views are of the best timing for further aution.

I have act yet shown your brief to the Board of Trade but I am doing so now.

(H. H. Stewart) Hong Kong Department

D. H. Jordan Xæq., XBE,

Deputy Director,

Department of Commerce and Industry,

:ONG KO

Copies toi

J. E. Gowers, Esq., Division 2, CKE,

Board of Trade

J. V. Hagestadt, Esq.,

Division 2, CRE,

Board of Trade

G. N. Smith, Esq.,

European Economic Integration Department,

r.c.o.

Miss M. MaoGlashan,

Western European Department.

H. Collings, Esq.,

Commodities and 011 Department

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Page

Page

2.

REST

Minutes

OD

the Meeting held in K. 246 on 6 December, 1968.

Present:

W. S. Carter

H. H. Stewart

J

F.C.0.

10

1.

I. R. Murray

D. . Sellers)

D. Jordan }

Hong Kong Government

The following topics were discussed: -

British Sheeting Negotiations

Mr. Jordan stressed the need for decision on this matter, and sought an early reply to his despatch. Mr. Carter is to speak to GoNsmith (Board of Trade) this week.

2. Austrian Anti-Dumping Legislation

Hong Kong exports to Austria have fallen over the last eighteen months, but she is unable to prove that this is due to the new legislation, not to a change in demand.

It was agreed to do nothing further on this matter until Austria has ratified the Anti-Dumping Code (she signed the Code on 28 June, 1968).

3.

Italian Consular Endorsements

Mr. Jordan had seen the draft Note Verbale, submitted by the Board of Trade, and it was agreed that it was unsatisfactory. He asked that we should telegraph Hong Kong, requesting that he may see Hong Kong's revised version on his return, prior to its despatch to this office.

4.

U.A.R. Consular Endorsements

It was agreed to take no action on this until the situation is clarified by the Commercial Section of our Embassy in Cairo. Mr. Jordan pointed out that Hong Kong's trade with Libya was also being affected.

/5.

Algeria

RESTRICTED

RECEIVED IN ! ARCHIVES M..31

1 1968

HILK6/4104/1

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