TNAG-1056-FCO40-1306-Trade-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-EEC-1981 — Page 20

Mr Williamson

Williamson

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Spreen Im Clif

Сар

FRENCH QUOTAS:

1.

Reference......

MICK 12/12

ник

4 DEC 201

(17.

ufa

Jz

CGE

No

8/12 Plos 8/12

HONG KONG WATCHES

INDEX

Mr Wise rang to say that Hong Kong were considering the following procedure for putting in their protest on the French activation of quotas on Hong Kong watches:

2.

a) Mr Burgess would deliver a note to the European

Commission in Brussels;

b) a note would be given to the French Consul-General

in Hong Kong proposing direct consultations.

However, Hong Kong were concerned lest the Consul-General might adopt a legalistic line and refuse to accept the note on the grounds that relations should be conducted between HMG and the French Government. Mr McLaren had suggested that the FCO should be asked to instruct the British Embassy in Paris to reinforce the approach to the Consul-General, also by a note.

3.

Mr Wise said that no decision had yet been taken but he wanted our view on whether difficulties would be caused if, contrary to previous indications from Hong Kong, HMG were asked to support the Hong Kong representations.

4.

I said that I could not say at this stage whether we would find this difficult but we would like notice. Speaking personally I thought that if representations by HMG were considered feasible they might be done as well by an oral approach in Paris as in a note. But I would need to consult other departments before giving a firm view.

5.

I

Mr Wise took these points. However he said that he thought Hong Kong would not necessarily ask us to intervene because an alternative method of approach would be for the Hong Kong representative in Geneva (a constituent part of UKMIS) to approach the French representative to the GATT. This would be a legitimate and natural channel and would probably not require any subsequent UK backing. He would put this idea to Hong Kong.

6.

We must see what will come of this. However, I should be grateful if you would consult ECD(E) as to whether a request for action in Paris on the lines suggested would cause us difficulties. If so, I would need to tell Mr Wise quickly.

2 December 1981

Бир

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Dent

CODE 18.77

cc Mr Kinchen, ECD (E)

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