TNAG-0163-FCO40-199-Export-of-textiles-to-Norway-and-Sweden-1969 — Page 123

lir. Carter

HKK 6/531/1

with

67

Reference.....

CONFIDENTIAL

Before answering the telegram at (67) I

think we must consult the Board of Trade. I do not think that we should wait in the certain knowledge that they will react themselves to a number of points Hong Kong makes because they may well not react very soon. I have therefore drafted to Mr. Kemmis for your consideration.

2.

I do not think we can possibly support Hong Kong in the view which appears so clearly, particularly in paragraph 6 of their telegram, that the Board of Trade should keep out of it and I think it would be counter-productive if we tried to do so. I am not at all sure about the venue either. There are arguments in favour of holding the consultation in Hong Kong rather than London. (it is what the Swedes want; they are the demandeurs and therefore Hong Kong has a right to remain at home) but I have not used them at this stage. The point on which I think we should first concentrate is the one of principle whether there should be any further consultations at all. sure that there will have to be but we ought to try to dispose of a Board of Trade opposition to this as soon as possible.

I am

Thank

Any

に

you

༽་་

Лигий

(H. H. Stewart) 26 February 1969

We spoke.

my suggested amendments draft?

27/2

CONFIDENTIAL