e. M. A.
The Association, after collecting opinions from all other local industrial associations, is re-affirmed in its view that. Hong Kong, being a British Crown Colony, does merit Britain's special attention and negotiation for concessional arrangement. Politically, it would be to the interest of the British Government to ensure that Hong Kong's economic and social stability are maintained. Hong Kong, being a shining example of free economy and free trade so much endeared by western democracy, must not be allowed to suffer due to sudden change to unfair trading conditions. In this regard, we wish to draw attention to the fact that in 1969, Britain and the EEC countries exported to Hong Kong goods valued at HK$1,201 million and HK$1,312 million respectively, without tariff and quota restrictions.
Hong Kong, being a Colony and different from other Commonwealth countries, naturally looks to Britain for assistance and accommodation as it is in no position to negotiate or
bargain with Britain nor other countries. Morally, therefore, Britain is duty-bound to see that Hong Kong's interests must not be sacrificed.
It is the opinion of the industrial community of Hong Kong, which the CMA represents, that the best means of compensating for the loss of Commonwealth Preference would be for Britain to insist, during negotiations, on the inclusion of Hong Kong to the membership of EEC as a British Colony and associated territory as was the case for former French territories. If this is successful, Hong Kong could, whilst continuing with the practice of free trade with Britain, diversify to the EEC market with the same categories of products that now qualify for Commonwealth Preference considerations.
If associate membership of Hong Kong in the EEC should fail to find acceptance, there are other methods by which Britain could lend assistance to the Colony to alleviate the ill effects and undue hardship following Britain's entry into EEC. For example, Britain can consider the possibility of the following measures which would minimise economic disruption in Hong Kong:
1. The adoption of a diminishing scheme over a
period of seven to ten years for the gradual reduction of Commonwealth Preference privileges for Hong Kong products entering the British market.
2
/2. Withdrawal
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