TNAG-0250-FCO40-286-Discussions-on-EEC-negotiations-between-officials-of-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 97

Mr. Lait

Аркий

Miss Beas

UK/Hong Kong Consultations

п

KA Карнем

We have had two working meetings so far

yesterday

afternoon and this morning. On the whole they went well.

Yesterday's meeting was concerned primarily with broad questions of policy; this morning we dealt with the Generalised Freferences scheme in detail, reaching agreement on the line we should take with the EEC, the Japanese and

the Americans. Hong Kong are concerned about our decision

to impose a tariff on Commonwealth cotton textiles from

1 January, 1972. The reasons for our decision were explained to them but they wish to have the opportunity of

explaining their fears in detail and it was agreed that

there should be further consultations on this topic. The

ball is in Hong Kong's court and they will propose the further talks, when they are ready (ie. not while they are

here now).

2.

There will be a further meeting tomorrow morning to exchange views on the US Trade Bill and the US/Japan textile

talks; meanwhile it was agreed this morning that a state-

ment should be released to the press immediately after

tomorrow morning's talks. The attached draft has been

agreed by both sides and is submitted for approval. The

intention is that it should be issued simultaneously in

London and in Hong Kong.

c.c. Sir L. Monson

Mr. Wilford

Eɣária

E. 0. Laird

Hong Kong Department

24 November, 1970.