TNAG-1054-FCO40-1304-Trade-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-UK-1981 — Page 149

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Argument

5.

It is contrary to the Hong Kong Government's open market

trade policy to enter into any kind of Voluntary Restraint

Arrangement. This would be especially so in a case where the

volume of exports is so low. (There is, however, some discrepancy

between UK and Hong Kong statistics). There is, therefore, no

chance of Mr Baker persuading Hong Kong to accept such a radical

new policy departure. It is thus a non-starter and, as the draft

letter shows, there are good political arguments as to why the

subject should not be broached other than in the context of

imports from third countries.

f. Morrice

R D Clift

9 April 1981

се

Mr Donald TRED

Hong Kong and General Department

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MARB 9/4.