Reference HKK 6/531/1
117
Mr. Carter
Please see Miss Elliott's minute at (115) and her proposed draft reply (interim only) to Hong Kong telegram at (111).
2.
I understand the reasons why Miss Elliott has drafted so mild a telegram and indeed Mr. Dunnett has already commented to her that he thinks the telegram will be found by Industries Division "milder than they expect". However, I do not think we are going to get away with a telegram of this sort when the whole Board of Trade view is taken into account. Nor am I sure that we should tele-
· graph in these terms when we know Hong Kong is in as pliant a negotiating mood as at present.
3. I have therefore drafted an alternative tele- gram which I have discussed with Miss Elliott and which is entirely acceptable to her and I am sure will be to CRE. I think it will make it easier to get the agreement of Industries and I also think that it suits our purposes better.
4. We shall have to clear this telegram with Commodities Department It seems to me that with Mr. Whitehead's visit to Hong Kong in the offing the telegram could suitably be on the lines of my draft. Moreover I know that Commodities Department are firmly opposed to settling with the Swedes by letter immediately after Stans' departure,which would have the undesirable effect of translating the "discussions on a hypothetical basis", into which the last round of talks with the Swedes deteriorated, retrospectively into full blown negotiations.
(H. H. Stewart)
9 May, 1969
am : conquq this minuti to ditollings
сораше
Agreed
Salycett
views of
Commoditices Dept
9/5-
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