TNAG-0385-FCO40-431-Trade-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-EEC-1974 — Page 198

CONFIDENTIAL

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It was

the moment that we align with the Community's GSP.

therefore argued that if we were to avoid this political

damage we must put into effect the first of Mr Rippon's

promises.

4.

Mr Royle's decision was that we could not wait until

the annual Reviews but must argue the case with the Community

now.

A paper for the Ministerial Committee on Europe has

accordingly been drafted and agreed by both the Hong Kong

and European sides of the Office and by Mr Royle.

5. Unless Mr Royle's conclusion is to be overruled,

therefore, I hope that we may interpret the Secretary of

State's minute as meaning that we must put the case to the

Community now and argue it as best we can, recognising that

we may not succeed and that if we do not do so we should

tell the Community and Hong Kong that we will revert to it

in the first annual Review and subsequently.

3 October 1973

Copy to:

PS Mr Royle Sir D Watson Mr Robinson Mr Butler

CONFIDENTIAL

ACSLE

A C Stuart

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department

/1. I agree