CONFIDENTIAL
3. Patterson was also inclined to suggest that he saw no great advantage in the "two flags" solution as compared with, the present situation, where the representative for Hong Kong with the UK Delegation clearly identified himself when he spoke. We said that in our view the "two flags" solution would considerably reduce the embarrassment for the EEC of having the UK make points on behalf of Hong Kong in conflict with the Community. A public indication of the separate Hong Kong position would ease such difficulties and reduce possible pressures on the UK to restrain the expression of Hong Kong's views.
4. On procedure, Patterson agreed that, if he found any reason to change his present view of our proposal, it would be right for the UK to put it to the Secretariat officially after any dis- cussion they wished to have with the EEC. At that point either the Secretariat or the UK Mission should inform other Missions privately that it was intended to introduce the arrangement from 1 January. However, he saw no need to seek the approval of the GATT in any more formal way..
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W Nicholl Esq, UKDEL EEC
MA Goodfellow Esq, FCO (HK & IO Dept) A R Clark Esq, FCO (TBD)
J V Hagerstadt Esq, CRE 3
Miss CR Welch, CRE 2
2
DC Hartridge
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