TNAG-0345-FCO40-381-UK-and-Hong-Kong-talks-on-cotton-textiles-1972 — Page 152

Reference

folio 162 HKK 6/548/3D

J

folio 164 HKK 6/548/3D

2. As stated in Mr Royle's letter to Sir J Eden:

HMG have a direct internationally recognised responsibility for Hong Kong which they do not have for the other major overseas suppliers "and it would be most difficult for us to accept that nothing can be done by way of transitional arrangements to help Hong Kong simply because corresponding concessions would have to be made to other suppliers. It is strongly felt in Hong Kong that we should also not forget that Hong Kong is a Colony and as such is not represented in Parliament like Lancashire".

3. As stated in the record of meetings on 6/7 December:-

(a) Hong Kong's non-GATT relationship with the UK

therefore she cannot "bargain" with Britain.

(b) HMG's concept of "equity" does not invalida -te

Hong Kong's case for special treatment as a Dependent Territory. She should be treated according to her needs, not "equally" with other restricted Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth suppliers. The old cliches about her "resourcefulness" and "ability to survive" in difficult circumstances in no way gives HMG the right to penalise her for her past success.

DD 896639 140609 500M 7/71 GM 3643/2