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of Hong Kong and for the arrangements that had been made
to keep Hong Kong informed of the progress of the negotiations. The issues involved in Britain's application for membership of
the Communities were important for Hong Kong and he very much
hoped that some positive result would emerge.
3. Mr. Rippon said that Hong Kong was not popular among the
Six. There was a traditional fear of her competitiveness,
and the Six appeared not to have caught up with the changing
economic circumstances of South East Asia. Sir David Trench
remarked that Hong Kong was in many ways a victim of her own
success
4. In answer to a question about visits by members of the Commission to Hong Kong, Sir J. Cowperthwaite said that so
far only Mr. Dahrendorf had visited Hong Kong. His visit had
been brief but useful: he went away with greater understanding of the Colony's position. In addition Hong Kong had made
direct contact with the EEC over the years on a number of
matters.
5. It was agreed that the position of Hong Kong should be discussed in greater detail by officials ter in the day.
CONFIDENTIAL
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