TNAG-0250-FCO40-286-Discussions-on-EEC-negotiations-between-officials-of-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 244

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Registry No.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION

Top Secret.

Secret.

Confidential.

Restricted.

Unclassified.

PRIVACY MARKING

In Confidence

DRAFT SUBMISSION

To:-

Mr. Wilford

Sir L. Monson Miss Deas

Type 1 +

From

Mr. Laird

Telephone No. & Ext.

Department

Consultation with Hong Kong Government

Officials

Problem

During his recent visit to Hong Kong Mr. Rippon

arranged with the Hong Kong Government that a further

round of consultations, on the lines of those held with Hong Kong Government officials in 1967, should

be held in London later this year.

20

The Hong Kong Government had asked that

negotiations with the EEC in regard to Association

for Hong Kong should be deferred until after the

consultations had been held.

3. The EEC may take up consideration of Hong

Kong's position during the first week of November

and decide what they will be prepared to offer.

So that an answer can be given to the EEC offer,

it is desirable that the consultations are held

with Hong Kong Government officials as soon as

possible. Furthermore, M. Ernst, a Director of

Foreign Commercial Policy in the EEC Commission is

expected to visit Hong Kong on 28 November for

discussions in the context of the enlargement

negotiations and it would be useful for the

discussions with Hong Kong officials to be concluded

prior to his visit.

Recommendation

Mr. Rippon, who it is understood wishes to

/open.....