TNAG-0162-FCO40-198-Export-of-textiles-to-Norway-and-Sweden-1969 — Page 62

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G.F. 323

CONFIDENTIAL

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the opposite direction leads us to suspect that demand for Hong Kong

garments in Norway has been slackening.

Obviously, then, I'm afraid that almost the first thing the

two Delegations will have to do is to go over the latest statistics.

For the conduct of the actual consultations Mr. Jordan,

whom you have met before, will lead the Hong Kong Delegation, but I

shall look forward to seeing you again on a number of occasions.

First and foremost a little later today, in the private dining room

on the second floor of the Hong Kong Club, just down the road.

Because I distrust spontaneous words which are to go on

the record, I have made this somewhat formal statement, without much

deviation from a prepared text, as a lead-in to what I hope will

in an easy prove to be discussions,

negotiations if you like,

T

and frank atmosphere of understanding of the issues at stake on

either side. It is the sort of thing that ministers have to say,

and be accountable for in parliaments. But I am under the terms of

our constitution neither an elected minister nor quite a permanent

secretary to a department of state responsible to a minister.

Rather something in between. Because I am not constitutionally

responsible to a visible electorate, my moral responsibility is perhaps

that much greater. Hence the mixture of broad policy, practical

detail, and perhaps undue solemnity which has characterised my words.

Please do not feel the need, Mr. Haerum for a correspondingly formal

response.

CONFIDENTIAL