TNAG-0250-FCO40-286-Discussions-on-EEC-negotiations-between-officials-of-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 158

GF

BOARD

OF

TRADE

Department of Trade and Industry

BOARD OR TRADE

Commercial Relations and Exports Department

1 Victoria Street, LONDON S.W.1 Telex: 27366 Answer Back: BOTHQ LONDON

Telegrams: Advantage London S.W.I

Telephone: 01-222 7877, ext.

2463

257

20. November, 1970

see

35

Our reference:

Your reference:

G F Kinnear Esq

Hong Kong Department

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

SW 1

Dear Kinnear

HONG KONG AND THE GATT: CONSULTATIONS WITH HONG KONG OFFICIALS

We discussed the need for a defensive brief on Hong Kong's position in the GATT, should the UK enter the Common Market, for the meeting with Hong Kong officials on 23-25 November.

Although the topic is not identified in the agenda which Hong Kong has proposed, it would seem likely to crop up as a consequence of discussions on several of the points listed, and we agreed that it would be as well for briefing material to be provided for such an eventuality. I do not think that such a brief need be regarded as "defensive" since we have nothing to be defensive about. We would however have no reason to bring up the matter unless Hong Kong does.

If the Hong Kong team wish to discuss this subject, it would be advantageous for someone from here to be present, particularly as Derek Jones, who is well informed on the subject, will be there.

Yours ww

michael wordhead

M J Woodhead

cc to Mr Perceval (TPD)

Miss Elliott (CRE1) Mr Ingram (CRE 3) Mr Gregory (CT1)