TNAG-0964-FCO40-1183-Air-services-between-the-UK-and-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 82

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ignored the very high seasonal demand. One rather suspects the decision was political. Our wholly dependent status failed to protect us in the EEC textile negotiations; here it will work to our positive disadvantage, unless the Minister rectifies the error. It is within his power to do so.

I think I ought to say that sentiment is a delicate

flower. We are a large market for British goods. We have consciously fostered the sentiment of buying British. We believed

in the good faith of Britain. The decision of the Civil

Aviation Authority casts some doubt on whether Britain sincerely practices what it preaches. I can only hope that wiser cousel

will now prevail, lest sentiment withers.