TNAG-0392-FCO40-438-Discussions-on-textiles-and-commercial-subjects-between-offi-1973 — Page 39

C. & I. 200 2700206

200x100-7/71-B83972

BY AIR MAIL

TELEGRAPHIC ADDRESS:~~~

"CANDIHONG" HONG KONG

OUR

REF.:

YOUR REF.:

CR 4461/681

II

Dear Michael,

Youde

RESTRICTED

COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT,

FIRE BRIGADE BUILDING,

HONG KONG.

8th October

*

1973.

I think you know that we here have for some time. felt that it would be useful to all of us to have fairly regular informal meetings in London to discuss current prob- lems or matters of common interest and concern in the commercial relations field. We wouldn't envisage the preparation of any papers or the production of lengthy minutes but only a list of subjects as an agenda.

Philip Haddon-Cave floated this idea at a meeting in the FCO (with G.L. Simmons in the chair) on 3rd October 1972. I gather that there was general agreement that there was a need to improve consultation between the UK and HK Governments but no-one wanted to commit themselves to specific proposals until they saw how the situation developed after Britain became a member of the European Communities.

It occurred to us to revive the idea after Derek Jones and Bill Dorward's visit to London in July to discuss the EEC GSP. At the end of that meeting Philip Ridley said he'd like to take the opportunity to discuss a number of other matters and a very useful discussion ensued.

We mentioned this again when we had some talks with Roy Denman and Bob Goldsmith (en route to Tokyo) in September.

Roy made it quite clear that he wouldn't favour any formal

institutionalisation' in this field but when I made it equally clear that that wasn't what we had in mind, he seemed to take to the suggestion and said he would air it in Whitehall on his return.

1

He gave me the impression that he was, at least at that time, thinking of taking the chair himself at any such meetings. You may, however, if you agree with the idea and if it gets off the ground, think it preferable that the F.C.O. should be in the chair.

Judging from my own previous experience in the Commerce and Industry Department, I think it is fair to say that we

can get to understand each other's position better and usually make more progress round a table in Whitehall (extended to Millbank) than by exchanging telegrams. hope you would agree.

I

If we do/