TNAG-0629-FCO40-777-Effect-of-GATT-Multi-Fibre-Arrangement-on-Hong-Kong-negotiat-1988 — Page 49

Mr. Milion HK YGD

[Mr Jenkins' submission of 12 September on HONG KONG AND THE

MULTI FIBRE ARRANGEMENT]

68

CONFIDENTIAL

The proposed quota restraints will be a blow to Hong Kong

and will do some economic damage. But this is unavoidable if we are to secure effective controls over textile imports invo the United Kingdom, which have to be operated on a Community basis. We have had to drive the Community into setting up these negotiations and establishing the necessary tough mandate.

There

is a difficult balance to draw between our general textile policy and the United Kingdom's responsibility for Hong Kong. It will be awkward presentationally in Hong Kong that we have made a special effort to safeguard the interests of India and Pakistan but not of Hong Kong as a colonial responsibility. However, I think the submission and draft strike the right balance.

13 September 1977

M JE Fretwell

АКК

121

51

14

1908

RY,

INDEX

CONFIDENTIAL

Taken