TNAG-2978-FCO40-1470-Trade-relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-UK-1982 — Page 88

FCO40 Hong Kong Department Records 聯邦事務部香港部檔案 All

JONE, DENTAL

DSR 1C

1.

Diplomatic relations were reduced to Chargé d'Affaires

level and there was a modest subsequent reduction in Dutch

exports to China. However, relations appear to have suffered

less, in practice, than originally expected. It is probable

that the Chinese were using the Dutch to give a strong signal

to the US, warning against arms sales to Taiwan.

Indonesia-Benelux

5. Soon after the start of Britain's dispute with Indonesia

over textiles, the Benelux countries found that Indonesia

was exceeding the trigger level for certain textile imports.

Against the urging of the EC Commission which expressed

concern about the precedent being set, they rapidly conceded

more generous quota levels. The threat of discrimination

was implicit: it existed primarily in the precedent that

Indonesia had established with the UK. But fear of

discrimination was an important factor in these countries'

decision to settle so quickly and generously.

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