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Revised Draft (2 April, 1970)
Hong Kong's External Commercial Relations
(excluding Hong Kong/UK Trade)
ANNEX
It is agreed that Hong Kong's external commercial
relations should be conducted on the basis of the following
understanding:
1.
The constitutional position is that HMG are respons-
ible for the conduct of Hong Kong's external relations
(including commercial relations): it being understood that
in keeping with their obligations under the United Nations
Charter this responsibility is exercised for the purpose of
protecting the best interests of the people of Hong Kong and
in the exercise of this responsibility HMG will pay regard to
the Hong Kong Government's views as to where those best
interests lie.
2.
The Hong Kong Government will accordingly keep HMG
informed from the earliest practicable stage of developments
in the field of its external commercial relations.
Bilateral Discussions and Negotiations
3.
Where HMG have not indicated that considerations of
British international commercial policy are involved the
Hong Kong Government is responsible for determining the
course of and for the conduct of Hong Kong's external commer-
cial relations with such assistance as it may be agreed can
be furnished by HMG or HMG's overseas representatives.
venue of such negotiations shall be a matter for decision
between the Hong Kong Government and any third party.
The
14.