took place with bur knowledge and agreement.
It goes without saying that any such talks
could not involve any commitment on the part of
Her Majesty's Government.
I think that it was generally agreed at
our discussions that the question of immunities
for the Head of the reorganised Office did not
arise. So far as privileges are concerned, you
explained that you were seeking no more than
reciprocity as between the Administrative
Commissioner in London and the United Kingdom
Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong. Our subsequent
this aspect
researches into the position of the latter
Affieer have failed to reveal that be the latter
receives any privileges other than that of
exemption from income tax, on which reciprocity.
treatment has already been achieved.
However,
I must confess that we have as yet been unable
< the UW Trade Commissioner, to establish beyond doubt that he is not in
Hong Kong
receipt of any other privileges and if, in fact
he is accorded any privileges by the Hong Kong
Government, we should be most grateful if you
would let us know what they amount to. You did
say that you would not rule out the possibility
of a wider exchange of privileges between the
two posts than exists at present, if that were
considered desirable. The position on this
remains as stated in the penultimate paragraph
of my letter to you of 4th October. We should
Suggestions
have to treat any proposals for such wider
for
exchange as a separate issue and before the
reasons given in my letter, I cannot hold out
much hope that any such proposals would find
acceptance here.
I hope that in the light of this letter you will now feel able to go ahead with your plans for the reorganisation of the Hong Kong Office here
Pice without further delay.
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IT WIS. 3/20
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