TNAG-0386-FCO40-432-Exports-of-non-cotton-textiles-from-Hong-Kong-to-the-EEC-1973 — Page 35

(16940) Dd.897300 400m 9/72 G.W.B.Ltd. Gp.863

NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN

Registry No.

SI RITY CLASSIFICATION

Fop Secret.

Secret.

Confidential.

Restricted.

Unclassified

PRIVACY MARKING

DRAFT

To:-

Mr Eric Ho

Director of Commerce and Industry

HONG KONG

Type 1 +

FROM

Mr Goodfellow

Crowson

Telephone No. Ext.

Department

..In Confidence

EEC TEXTILES GROUP

1.

Thank you for your telegrams nos 428 and 429

of 24 April. On the question of exports of non-cotton

textiles to the Benelux, which we have discussed

at length with the DTI, you will have seen Robin

Hope's letter of 25 April to John de Fonblanque

in which he filled out the record and emphasised

the contrast between how the Dutch behave in a

Community context and the impression they give

in more informal contacts with Hong Kong Government

officials.

2. We do of eo agree with you that the best

solution, in the present circumstances of no free

circulation, would be a bilateral one. re are glad

that we were able last year to achieve a bilateral

solution of our own non-cotton problems with you.

But the realities of life in the European Community

must be faced, however Alice-through-the-looking-glass

The Dutch would lose marks for anti-

Community behaviour if they did negotiate.

bilaterally, with or without the Commission's

they appear.

consent, and you should not underestimate the

importance of this. You will also have seen the

advice on this in UKREP Brussels telegram 2270 of

3 May.

CONFIDENTIAL

13