decision by a postal vote of the Governors
It looks as though Hong Kong will get in.
6.
Another round of trading negotiations with
the Swedes is in the offing towards the end of
April. You will be aware that as a result of negotiations at Geneva last month, agreement was reached to restrain Hong Kong exports of anoraks and certain outer wear, but at levels which I
think leave Hong Kong fairly satisfied with the
outcome. Hong Kong wants the next discussions (for which no formal request has yet been made) to be "at home" and the Swedes apparently have no objection, We are not sure yet whether the Board of Trade will want to take part in these talks as
they did last time. Hong Kong of course would much prefer to handle the matter by herself but
feel sufficie if the Board of Trade stablish a legitimate
comuned to take part interest in the proceedings, then we shall have to Race ups once again to the woréems of joint l.k. Hong Kong persuade Hong Kong to negotiate alongside
delegation from the Board,
The
I have vet a copy of your "B" ICL/ -of
21st February to John Gowers, which you sent to Herbert Stewart. I think this is a very fair statement of the position in Hong Kong and I am sure that no British firm can expect to find a captive and uncritical market in the Colony: it would probably not be good for them in the long run if they could. However, I must say that I am becoming a little concerned at the way in which events, often beyond our control, are combining to give Hong Kong a rather unfortunate image in official circles in this country. I think it is quite easy to attach too much importance to the impression which I fancy is given on any number of occasions in the Colony that not only unofficials, but Government officials as well, are positively hostile to this country. I would hesitate to say this when you̸ are in Hong Kong and I am in London but I do know very well from previous Colonial
experience that there are frequent periods in the life of Colony when it is no less than fashionable
to be critical of the UK. I like to think that evén
critical
/Colony
num Stewart.
way
Hera
sel's w
Kain will come Gris' a at to refuse any extension of
Current aquecine and
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