TNAG-0467-FCO40-532-Hong-Kong-s-interests-in-EEC-capitals-1974 — Page 24

E.

4030-2

2

ceive that it can remain insensible to our request, since all development of trade with the above countries must fi- nally constitute encouragement of the detestable social conditions that prevail there, such a climate being in reality the principal, or even exclusive, basis of their competitivity.

Finally, we recall that the Draft Resolution on Multin^- tional Companies submitted by the Commission to the Coun.. cil of Ministers (7th November 1973) contains paragraphs concerning investments by Multinational Companies in less- developed countries, underlining especially that the opera tions of these companies, which are based in the Communit ̧”, must tend to increase the economic and social well-being of the countries in which they invest.

Given that a large part of foreign investment in Hong-Kong for example, comes from the United Kingdom, the Community has the exceptional opportunity of putting its principles into practice by making trade concessions to Hong Kong de- pendent upon the improvement of industrial relations and working conditions in that country.

We hope that our demand will secure your attention and we remain,i

P.S

L

Yours sincerely

For the European Trade Union Committee for the Textiles, Clothing and Leather Industries

[

O':

S.Baeck Secretary fo

Lomet

i

"J

wvido

May we remind you that Hong Kong has not ratified ILO Convention Nes24, 32,94 and 98, concerning sickn insurance, accidents at work, working conditions, in the Public Works sector, workers- trade union righ.... of negotiation. These same Conventions have howe been ratified by Great Britain.

.10.