TNAG-0369-FCO40-415-Visit-of-Edward-Heath--UK-Prime-Minister--to-Hong-Kong--12-1-1974 — Page 140

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GAL IN NELLIER BE OL ONIMLON

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HTV CASSIFICATION

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Confidential.

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To:-

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133 file

Type 1 +

FROM

RB Crowson

Telephone No. Ext.

In Confidence

TALKS WITH MEMBERS OF EAECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS: SPEAKING NOTE

Department HRIOD

Batain and

Hang Kory have Hony

common interesti

1. In disucssion with Unofficial Members of

Executive and Legislative Councils, the Frime Nipister

There is

will wish to emphasise the common interests of the

(

}

United Kingdom and Hong Kong, rather than the

disparity of interests. Where there is disparity of

interests, he will wish to emphasise that we are doing

all we can to take practical account of Hong Kong's

views, despite the difficulties for ourselves in doing

So.

2.

A good example of the common interests is the

arrangement for sterling, which is mutually beneficial,

the We both have a strong interest in its stability of sliding

Another example is the need of both Britain and

Hong Kong for good relations with China.

3.

A subject where there is disparity of interest is

13

ancary

our alignment with the EEC Generalised System of

Preferences

ces (GSH) which will involve discrimination

against Hong Kong over their textile and footwear

exports. There was no possibility of persuading our

partners before 1 January to agree to changes in the

scheme to benefit Hong Kong; but at a recent meeting of

put them firmaly on the Council of Ministers we hope they formally put on

UNT

/notice