TNAG-0341-FCO40-377-Effects-on-Hong-Kong-of-long-term-policy-for-textiles-in-int-1972 — Page 96

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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 come

practical difficulties would remain.

13. Consideration was given to Mr Haddon-Cavo'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 chongo

in Hong Kong's legal position proved feasible).

Mr Haddon-Cave again enlarged on this in 4 questions:-

14.

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(a) What freedom could the UK give to Hong Kong,

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taking account of possible' strains on the load of

the UK Delegation/vis-à-vis his, colleagues of the

9 EEC states?

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(b) What freedom could the UK afford Hong Kong

in the light of probable reactions by otlur

countries, notably China?

(c) How the GATT would react to this proposal?

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(d) How the EEC would view it?

.{

It was generally considered that the GATT

probably would agree either along prenent CTC

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range-

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 waG

expected a legalistic view would be held especir lly

by the French.

15.

Within practical political limits there should be

no difficulty in either a Hong Kong official or a UF 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.

This world

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