TNAG-0163-FCO40-199-Export-of-textiles-to-Norway-and-Sweden-1969 — Page 112

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FIKK 6/531/1

CONFIDENT I'L

Hong Kong Department

70

5 March, 1969

R+RW Phameday 13/3.

Thank you for your letter 222/78/77 of 17 February the substance of which was conveyed to Hong Kong in our telegram No.137. I understand that telegram was agreed between iss Elliott and Herbert Stewart.

You will by now have seen Hong Kong's reply, telegram No.177; it is about that I en now writing.

2.

3. I think we must accept that we er in for another round of Swedish negotiations. I these are indeed to take place towards the end of April, then we have some eight weeks in which to prepare the grounů. This is only a comfortable interval if we use all of it and I am sure that with the past history of last minute telegrams in mind (for which i hold no-one to blame) you will agree that we should face up now to as many as we can of the issues which might arise.

4. The first question posed by the long Hong telegram is that of a suitule venue for discussions. e are told that the Swedes

proposed to go to Hong Kong and we can take is that Hong Kong will be pleased to agree with this suggestion when the formal proposal for further consultations is made. It is about time the Swedes went

But on the to Hong Kong: they are, after all, the demandeurs. assumption that the Forra of "rede would wish to be represented, Would this be convenient to you?

5. You will see that the Swedes have given notice that they would like consultations to begin on 21 April And that "onr ɔng have paid that 22 April would so acceptable to them. Of course we have until

the Comal routine request for consultations reaches us to decide the matter but i should be grateful to know your views on a suitable date for the meeting

•

6. I have written so far on the assumption that the Board of Trade

I should be will wish to be represented at these consultations. glad to know whether you regard this as necessary.

To

Whether or not ye1 are represented we must of course reach agreement in advance on the line to be taken. To my mind the

and or immediate onc in the central 1860 -

mention of the renewal of these agreements. I recall that at our meeting with yourselves on 2 Jonary it was rgued that the present agreement with the Swedes should not be extended at all because it would

0. H. Kemmis, Esq., Board of Trade.

/ never

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CONFIDENTIAL