TNAG-0464-FCO40-529-Entitlement-of-Hong-Kong-to-EEC-Generalised-Scheme-of-Prefer-1974 — Page 118

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EEC: GSP

1.

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European Integration Department (E) are proposing that Sir Michael Palliser should be instructed to raise the subject of Hong Kong's exclusion from the benefits of the GSP in regard to textiles and footwear at this week's COREPER meeting. This seems to me to be a thoroughly desirable step and one which we shall be able to point to when the Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Industry, Mr David Jordan, visits London later this month to press Hong Kong's case once more.

2. The draft telegram of instruction to Brussels seems to meet the case admirably and the only suggestion I have is that it might perhaps be toughened up by the substitution of one or two words. I would, for instance, propose that in paragraph 2 (b) "greatly concerned" should be substituted for disappointed and that likewise under (d) "supreme" or "overriding" should be put in place of considerable. Earlier in the same sub-paragraph I think that the "Hong Kong Government" would be preferable to the Hong Kong Authorities as at present in the draft. Apart from this I have no other comment.

3.

EID (E) have asked for comments by 11.00 hours tomorrow.

8 October 1974

44 1

JK Hanna

Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department

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