TNAG-0249-FCO40-285-Effect-of-entry-of-UK-into-EEC-on-exports-from-Hong-Kong-1970 — Page 66

CONFIDENTIAL

2

G.F. Kinnear, Esq., O.B. E.

3rd September, 1970.

Community under some form of the current UNCTAD proposals.

4. I believe that you and your colleagues in the European Integration Department may have somewhat different ideas on how press and similar queries should be answered. As I understand it, you may feel that it would be wiser to maintain the line (which this office has already taken with the BBC) that you are not prepared to comment on the effects on Hong Kong of Britain's entry into the EEC since these will largely depend on the terms negotiated and it would be improper for you as a Government official to indulge in speculation on so important a matter. I understand this viewpoint, but have doubts on whether it could be maintained, should the press or other interviewers suggest that Her Majesty's Government has itself speculated on the effects of entry on the United Kingdom in the recent White Paper. I think therefore there would be advantage in my having your ideas on how such queries might be answered so that I can pass these on to Hong Kong. Could you see your way to providing these?

DMS/LM

Your

ем

لسلا

(D.M. Sellers)

c.c. M.R. Morland, Esq.,

European Integration Dept.

c.c. Director of Commerce & Industry