TNAG-0441-FCO40-506-Visits-of-leading-personalities-of-Hong-Kong-to-UK-1974 — Page 80

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damaging precedent for action by the United States and Japan.

22. Line to Take: The undertaking by the Chancellor of the

Duchy in Brussels on 6 November was a major political effort

by HMG on behalf of Hong Kong. During the entry negotiations

in 1971 we fought hard to get Hong Kong included in the

Community's GSP. They eventually agreed to do so, with the

exception only of textiles and footwear. We have put them on

notice that this discrimination against Hong Kong is no longer

acceptable.

23. (For ExCo and LegCo only). We will do our best in the

1974 annual review.

cannot dictate to the Community. We will discuss tactics and

But we cannot promise success, since we

timing with the Hong Kong Government.

Meanwhile they could

themselves step up their own bilateral contacts with the members

of the Community on whom, with us, the final decision will

depend. It is in Hong Kong's direct interest to welcome what

we have already done. Their industry's complaints that we have

not done enough will encourage restrictionist tendencies in

Japan and the United States.

AIR SERVICES (Brief no. 6)

24. HIG conduct negotiations for licensing scheduled air

services at Kai Tak on behalf of both Hong Kong and the UK.

This has caused problems in the past. One point which may be

raised is that Hong Kong want to develop their contacts with

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/Scandinavia