TNAG-0244-FCO40-280-Exports-of-textiles-from-Hong-Kong-to-USA-1970 — Page 49

SECRET GUARD

SLA

WASHINGTON TEL. NO. 715 TO F.C.O.

3.

AT A PIECE OF PASSING DRIFTWOOD. EVIDENTLY, HOWEVER, HE FEELS THAT IF SOME ACCEPTABLE ARRANGEMENT COULD BE ARRIVED AT WITH HONG KONG

THERE WOULD BE A CHANCE OF SELLING IT BOTH WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION

AND TO OTHER ASIATIC EXPORTERS. WHATEVER THE MERITS OF HIS PROPOSIT- ION AS IT STANDS, THERE IS MUCH TO LE GAINED FROM ENTERING INTO A DIRECT DIALOGUE AT A FAIRLY HIGH LEVEL WITH THE STATE DEPARTMENT. IT

MIGHT AFFORD A CHANCE OF PROMOTING ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS NEARER TO

YOUR AND HONG KONG'S WAY OF THINKING.

7. 1 AM NOT SURE HOW THE PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE (YOUR TELEGRAM

NO. 563) WILL INFLUENCE TREZISE'S ATTITUDE, BUT WITH LUCK IT MAY

STRENGTHEN HIS INCLINATION TO TALK TO US.

8. GRATEFUL FOR AN EARLY REPLY.

MR. FREEMAN

[COPIES SENT TO 3.0.T. AND MINTECH]

DEPARTMENTAL DISTRIBUTION:

COMMODITIES D.

AMERICAN D.

H.K.D.

F.EASTERN D.

TR.POL.D.

ECON.D.

DDDDD

SECRET GUARD