C. W. Roberts, Esq., CRE 4,
Department of Trade, Victoria Street.
ECO 598/1
8 July, 1977.
108
In my letter of 6 July I expressed concern about the lack of any background material on the current dispute between Hong Kong and the EEC over the multi-fibre textile agreement. The press is now full of vituperation against France in particular and the EEC in general for their decision to stop imports of men's shirts, women's blouses and T-shirts. I have kept my head right down but I do find it incredible than no one has sent me a single line of guidance on what is now a major trading issue in the Colony.
2. As evidence of the ire which is being aroused I enclose a copy of the speaking note which Bill Dorward used when he called in my Belgium colleague to deliver an oral protest to the EEC. The poor Belgian took over last week as representative of the Member State holding the EEC Presidency. I do not know whether Hong Kong delivered any similar protests to someone in London during June when we continued to hold the Presidency but I can say that my Belgio colleague is taking the protest seriously and has circularized his local EEC colleagues in Hong Hong including me. Once again, therefore, whether I like it or not I am reminded of the current importance of the textile issue in Hong Kong trading circles and I submit that it is essential that I have some short guidance for defensive purposes.
3.
Can you please do anything to help?1
D. M. March
Senior British Trade Commissioner
c.c. J.A.B.Stewart, Esq., OBE,
Hong Kong Department, FC.0.
J. Mellon, Esq.,
Frade Relations & Exports Dept., F.C.0.
P.C. Petrie, Esq.,
European Integration Dept., Internal, F.c.o.
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