NOTHING TO BE WRITTEN IN THIS MARGIN
However it has so happened that the
Governor himself suggested an amendment to
paragraph 4 which is in effect an
acknowledgment that in relation to paragraph 4
special arrangements for the conduct of
relations may be required where Hong Kong is
formally represented by HMG, e.g. in certain
international organisations. The Governor
asked for this amendment because he felt
continuing concern about the lack of precise ·
definition in the meaning of the words
'as appropriate" in paragraph 4.
In our
recollection of the earlier discussions with
Jordan in September, these words were
inserted to indicate that there would be
situations where Hong Kong could not
"exercise responsibility" or speak for itself
and in its own name, e.g. in certain
international organisations. We saw
advantage in the more precise meaning intro-
duced by the proposed amendments,
particularly since it carries the implication
that other arrangements may need to be agreed
in these "special circumstances"
K
so leaving
the field clear to consider separately the
points raised by Melville.
However, acceptance of this Hong Kong
amendment will not resolve Melville's points;
it leaves in the air what these "other
arrangements" are to be. Its effect is to
qualify only the application of paragraph 4;
by implication the rest of the statement will
apply to international organisations and it is
clear from Melville's comments and proposals
that he is, for example, unhappy about the / reference