SECRET
We could suggest that the present arrangements should
Before and during such an
continue for a short period.
extension, we would seek the views of our partners, and
feed in whichever of our own ideas seemed appropriate in
the light of their reactions.
I recognise of course
that some signatories may not find attractive the
proposition of an extension of the present Agreement in
order to permit a process of consultation.
But I feel that
every course of action has its own difficulties.
Under my
Indeed,
suggestion, it would at least be clear that we are engaging
in consultations; and we would not for the time being have
either to bring the Agreements to an end or to table
specific proposals for new Agreements in circumstances
where the success of negotiations is uncertain.
contact with other Governments on these lines would leave
open whether or not we intended ultimately to dispense
with the Agreements or seek new ones. Speed is of the
essence. The earlier we talk, the more convincing our
claim that we are consulting our sterling partners.
5.
We have to remember that there are more than 50
of these Agreements, concluded with a wide variety of
Governments. There are some Agreements, of course, with
Dependent Territories, to whom we have particular responsibilit`
More crucially, there is the large and delicate problem of
Hong Kong. We have to contemplate that, irrespective of any
general decision about the future of the Agreements, there
/may have
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