TNAG-0246-FCO40-282-Imports-of-textiles-from-Hong-Kong-to-UK-1970 — Page 86

Ref:

CRE 406/1970

3.

The letter from Sir Aleo Douglas-Home'a Seoretary at doo 4 encloses a copy of a complaint from one of Sir Aleo's constituents about competition by imports of knitwear from Hong Kong. In support of his case the constituent, Mr Alan Smith of Joseph Dawson (Holdings) Ltd, encloses a copy of the "appeal" to the Prime Minister by 4 American labour Unions, which was inserted as an advertisement in the Washington Post to coincide with Mr Wilson's recent visit to the United States. The "appeal" relates to the problem of Hong Kong's low wage exports.

I attach opposite a draft reply which, as you suggest, concentrates on the UK aspects of Mr Smith's letter and makes only passing reference to the Hong Kong position which is fully argued in Hong Kong telegram to Washington No 1 (doo 2) and Derek Jones' letter to Owen Kemia (doe 3).

I am sending a copy of this minute and draft, with copies of the papers, to the FCO, MinTeoh, Tariff Division and CRE.1 and should be grateful if the recipients would let Mr Toms have any comments on the draft by midday on X Thursday 26 February.

Mr AF TomS

00

Mr JF Heath

M

MinTech

Mr I Murray - Hong Kong Department, FCO Kr A Nieduszynaki TENIIY Division

Miss J Elliott CRR 1

J B Gowers

CRE 2

24 February 1970