TNAG-0464-FCO40-529-Entitlement-of-Hong-Kong-to-EEC-Generalised-Scheme-of-Prefer-1974 — Page 90

6 D073528 200M 2/74 Cr.P.C. 839/3

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competitive countries in some cases but we shall aim to keep

these as few as possible and seek to ensure that they do not

cause particular discrimination to Hong Kong as against other

similar countries. Tran's idea that Hong Kong might voluntarily

limits it tariff quota exports to individual EEC Member Countries,

was floated on a personal basis although he had tried, and failed,

to secure Community endorsement. But it seems to us that this

is an idea which should not be excluded

altogether.

14.

We are still hopeful therefore that the Community's GSP

arrangements for 1975 will show significant improvements for

Nangkangx Hong Kong. We never thought it particularly realistic

to expect to see both footwear and textiles included in one go.

more reasonable aim is to try to get all the products concerned

phased in over a period of about three years and this is still

possible. The Commission's idea is that substantial progress

under the GSP for textiles ought to be possible after the

conclusion of bilateral textiles negotiations under the terms

bf the MFA. But this will not be the case if you insist on an

Article 3-type arrangement.

5.

Our advice is that we continue to work together to help secure

the best possible arrangements for 1975. You can say publicly

Eo the UK Government that it remains the firm aim to secure the inclusion of Hong Kong's

footwear and textile exports in the GSP and, subject to the views

of UKRFP Brussels, you may say that at a recent meeting of the ERC Committee of Permanent Representatives (CORE PFR) the United

Hingdom Representative made a further statement pressing for the

inclusion of some at least of Hong Kong's textiles in the scheme

for 1975.

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