ress
for Cott
meron of for jetizers bemands for retain
harbouring cars.
Republi
posed
provided rel
safe ret
tempo vamd to re
and
ishment
proposals
100 Congeson ab
Merenson of air
FRANS and de
HK Sendand 15 leht 1570
Mr Geoffrey Rippon. Britain's chief Common Market negotiator, held talks yesterday with unofficial members of the Executive and Legislative Councils. Picture shows Mr Rippon talking to Mr P.C. Woo with Mrs Ellen Li at left and Sir Albert Rodrigues right.
RIPPON SLAMS HK
DISCRIMINATION
BRITAIN'S chief Common Market, negotiator, Mr Geoffrey Rippon, said last night it was "unfair" to discriminate against Hongkong just because she was "resilient."
Mr Rippon was referring to current negotiations in the US and in the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT), intended to exclude Hongkong as a beneficiary.
"As things go now in world markets there is a very streng tendency to discriminate against Hongkong" he told reporters at a Press conference before flying off to Sydney.
"It is true that Hongkong has a splendid record and that much has been achieved. But it is a little unfair to say Hongkong is very resilient to therefore will be all right".
Mr Rippon stressed this had nothing to do with Britain's application to enter the ECC. The situation would apply whether Britain was in or out of the community, he said.
He also remarked industries in Hongkong might be encouraged to move out if discrimination against Hongkong increased.
Mr Rippon, who is Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, spent four days here to obtain a clearer picture of Hengkong's problem arising out of British membership of the Common Market
He said his discussions with Govemment officials and industrialists, showed there was no great anxiety about Britain entering the EEC "provided it ensures that Hongkong got a fair deal". He said he did not think it was necessary for Hongkong to become an associate member.
An associate membership would mean certain obligations for Hongkong and that might not wholly be advantageous.
He stressed Britain would not take any action that might not
be beneficial to Hongkong's long term interests.
TOP OF THE MARKET
NEW YORK, Monday, Opening Prices
NEW YORK, Mon. Traders, worried about developments in the Middle East and on the automotive front, drove the stock market lower in moderate turnover through the first hour today. Shortly after opening the Dow Jones industrial average was off more than 5 points.
Bethlehem Steel Corp. Boeing Company Bruss Burroughs Corp.
Can. Pacific Ry. Co.. Chesapeake & OPIO R Cities Service Co. Cons. Edison New York Fair Cam.
General Dyramies General Tel. & Elect. Gulf Cif Cera... Inter. ivicae ca. Inter, Harvester
General Instrument
22-1/2
17-3 3 16-1 8 1C5
57-1 2
46-1 22-7.
17-1.2
27-1/4
27-3.4
24-1 4
40
C
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.