(b) querying whether it was to Hong Kong's advantage to be seen to act independently in trade matters when Britain was considering joining the E.E.C. ("Hong Kong should consider carefully whether there might be prejudice to our attempts to look after her interests vis- a-vis the Community"),
and
(c) giving the opinion that it was not an appropriate moment to delegate authority on non-cotton textiles while there was a ÜU.S.
initiative in this field.
10.
As I mentioned at lunch, I personally agree strongly with the point made by the Board of Trade at (b) in paragraph 9, and was told (in November 1970) that Sir John Cowperthwaite also agreed it would be unwise to press for autonomy that "might work for our detriment rather than for our advantage at this point in time". Thus, the final Hong Kong Government view which I have on record is that Hong Kong's interests are likely to be harmed should an impression be gained internationally during the period of British entry into the E.E.C. that H.M.G. was no longer responsible for Hong Kong's
In addition a better external commercial relations.
understanding by both British and Hong Kong officials of the difficulties which each face has put an end to the considerable tension which existed in 1968 and 1969.
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cont/....
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