TNAG-0249-FCO40-285-Effect-of-entry-of-UK-into-EEC-on-exports-from-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 158

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CONFIDENTIAL

The Hong Kong officials

were consemed cont

a British aã-ption of more restrictive quotas along EEC wines.

but .K, officials thought that it might be best

to say Vile about tex- tiles during the nego-

tíatims.

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make a unilateral declaration, probably

in Parliament, of her continuing

responsibility towards her dependent

territories;

it was also agreed that despite the

BPC-negotiations Britain should continue

to press for the retention of Hong Kong

among the beneficiaries of the UNCTAD

scheme, particularly for the development

and sale of new products especially

foot wear and cutlery;

on Hong Kong immigration into the U.K.

it was thought that the position after

Britain's EEC entry would remain much

the same as at present. (Of course at that

this time the EEC's 18-day priority for

nationals rule governing the labour

markets had not yet been introduced);

there was considerable discussion of

It was

Hong Kong's rights under GATT.

considered that they would be unaffected

If the

by British entry into the EEC.

Six abandoned separate national membership

of GATT and the Community became a

single Contracting Party a different

situation would arise, but this was

unlikely to occur until well after

Britain's accession; ) No problem was

foreseen over Hong Kong's position as a

major holder of sterling;

there was considerable discussion on

textiles.four o conclusive agreements were

reached,

Both rounds of talks were recognised as being

entirely without commitments to either side.