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in regard to the juridical position would affect the
practical position.
Nevertheless, in view of the
constitutional position, it was agreed that some?
practical difficulties would remain.
13. Consideration was given to Mr Haddon-Cave's
question whether it would be practical for Hong Kong
to have their own spokesman in the GATT ie a de facto
as opposed to a de jure position (assuming no change
in Hong Kong's legal position proved feasible).
Mr Haddon-Cave again enlarged on this in 4 question":
(a) What freedom could the UK give to Hong Kon
taking account of possible strains on the lead of
the UK Delegation vis-à-vis his colleagues of the
14.
9 EEC states?
(b) What freedom could the UK afford Hong Kong
in the light of probable reactions by other
countries, notably China?
(c) How the GATT would react to this proposal?
(d) How the EEC would view it?
It was generally considered that the GATT
probably would agree either along present CTC arrang
ments or to the Hong Kong delegate speaking as a
member of the UK delegation. Considerably less opti-
mism was felt in respect of EEC reaction where it was
expected a legalistic view would be held especially
by the French.
15. Within practical political limits there should be.
no difficulty in either a Hong Kong official or a UK
official on behalf of Hong Kong, taking issue with com-
mercial policies of the EEC whilst all 10 members were
themselves the 10 Contracting Parties.
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