TNAG-0281-FCO40-317-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster-to-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 228

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2600027 C.S. 20A

SAVINGRAM

From the Governor, Hong Kong

To the Secretary of State for the Colonies

No.

.....9.8.2..........

Repeated to:-----

Repeated to:-

Date...........

HKK 22/4.

No.

No.

28th August 1970

My Reference...

CR L/M 494/70

Telegram 545

Your Reference...

Chancellor of Duchy of Lancaster's Visit.

Below are a number of possible press questions of the type likely to be asked. They are based on recent comment in the local press and may be of assistance to Mr. Rippon :-

1. Mr. Rippon, the Commonwealth Preference system provides

for Hong Kong the equivalent of a domestic market in Britain. If Britain enters the European Economic Community, that system will have to go and, unless some special arrangements are made for us, Hong Kong products will not only lose their preference but will have to surmount the enlarged Common Market's external tariff in keen competition with other producers. What can Britain do to protect Hong Kong's interests in the event of Britain joining the Common Market?

2.

3.

5.

6.

Has the United Kingdom Government made a study of the special problems involved for Hong Kong, and other dependent territories, should Britain join the European Economic Community?

Do you expect any difficulties in securing European Economic Community agreement to the association of Hong Kong, perhaps as an associate member in the way that some former French dependent territories are now associates?

There is considerable feeling, particularly among our industrialists and manufacturers, that Britain's entry into the Common Market will have a serious effect on Hong Kong's economy. Would you like to comment on this please?

Is it true that one of the factors influencing Britain's desire to join the European Economic Community is the significant decline of the British market for Commonwealth products?

One of the problems you face as Britain's chief negotiator is the elimination of customs tariffs between the European Economic Community and Britain. Would you like to comment on this, Sir?

Copies sent to:-

Mr. P. Hall (E..D.)

M. I Sleman (Commed Deper) Mr. C. Bathiscombe (P.a.)