TNAG-0341-FCO40-377-Effects-on-Hong-Kong-of-long-term-policy-for-textiles-in-int-1972 — Page 17

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Steering Group

During the Working Party meeting Japan proposed

the setting up of a steering group of experts to assist the G.A.T.T. Secretariat in their work. This was supported by a number of countries, but brushed aside by the Chairman (Mr. Long).

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Mr. Phelan (U.S. delegation State Department) spoke to me during the evening of 11th July about further meetings the U.S. delegation had had with the Secretariat, E.E.C. Commission, Japanese and Canadians. The U.S. was determined to get this Steering Group set up with partici- Pation by themselves, Japan, E.E.C., U.K. (on its own behalf and for Hong Kong) and Canada. He hoped we would support this, but I was requested to ensure that this did not get back to the Secretariat.

6.

I said that we must first consider this internally (both in Hong Kong and with London), but it would assist if he could indicate the level of participation he had in mind. Phelan said that Cheney (his assistant in Textiles and Fibers Division of State Department) would represent the U.S., and he would be most appreciative if we could make Peter Tsao available.

7.

From the proceedings in the Working Party so far, we can certainly contribute to its work. Accordingly if the Steering Group was established we should gladly take part. A Hong Kong representative at Principal Trade Officer level would also be reasonable.

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I have this morning discussed the foregoing with Messrs. Ridley and Laird separately, and they would be prepared to support Hong Kong's participation in the Steering Group, if established, with an official nominated by us.

سیلها

E. HO

c.c. Hong Kong Department,

F.C.O.

C.T.Division )

D.T.I.

CRE(1)

A.L.

A.W.

A.B.

A.G.

EPH/AMS