TNAG-0250-FCO40-286-Discussions-on-EEC-negotiations-between-officials-of-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 155

CONFIDENTIAL

J ли Вольствий

Mr.

ord

Sir C. O'Neill

Talks with Hong Kong officials

These talks are due to open on Monday 23 November at 12.15 in

room 102 of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Downing Street

East. Mr. Rippon has agreed to attend the first session and to say a

few words, to which the Governor of Hong Kong will, no doubt, reply.

2. The first session of talks between officials will begin at

3.30 p.m. on that afternoon. Sir C. O'Neill has agreed to lead the

British side for the discussions on our entry into the EEC. I submit

a brief for this meeting, cleared with the interested Departments in

Whitehall and the FCO.

3. The agenda proposed by Hong Kong, to which we have not objecteà,

is as follows:·

1. Hong Kong in the context of Britain/EEC negotiations in

the light of progress to date, with special reference to -

a)

the formulation of proposals to put to the BEC for

the protection of Hong Kong interests;

D)

the relationship between entry negotiations and

generalised preferences;

c)

transitional arrangements, particularly the rate of

application of the CET;

a)

British proposals for imposition of a tariff on

€)

Commonwealth cotton textiles in 1972, with particular

reference to (c); and

any other possible methods of affording relief or

compensation to Hong Kong for the effects of British

entry.

2. Generalised Preferences in the wider context and the tactics

CONFIDENTIAL

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