Revised draft statement
6/
Hong Kong's External Commercial Relations
(excluding Hong Kong/UK Trade)
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 responsible
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 commercial relations with such assistance
as it may be agreed can be furnished by HMG or HMG's overseas
representatives. The venue of such negotiations shall be a
matter for decision between the Hong Kong Government and any
third party.
4. Where HMG have indicated that considerations of British
international commercial policy are involved the Hong Kong Government
may nevertheless continue in full consultation and association
with HMG., to exercise a similar responsibility acting within
the framework of such policies as may be agreed with HMG and
/in conformity