HKK 121/562/1
I H Harris Esq
SEAD
E 727
ODM
LABI
RPE
CONFIDENTIAL
20 May 1977
REC
RE? No.51
24 MAY 177
HKK. 1211562
ESCAP AND HONG KONG
1. I understand that during the recent ESCAP Plenary Session in Bangkok, the leader of the UK delegation approached r Q Lee of the Hong Kong delegation and suggested some amendments to the text of a statement on international trade, particularly in textiles, which Mr Lee was to deliver. Kár Lee had given the leader of the UK delegation an advance copy of his statement as a courtesy.
2.
The Hong Kong delegation explained that, as is the case, Hong Kong conducts its own external commercial relations to a considerable extent and that the Hong Kong delegation to ESCAP is not constitutionally a part of the UK delegation, though the two delegations have usually worked closely together.
3. I am not seeking to criticize the UK delegation who, I understand, readily accepted the position of the Hong Kong delegation. However, in order to avoid possible further difficulties of this sort, which can be an irritant in Hong Kong/ UK relations, it would be useful if you could ensure that UK delegations to future ESCAP meetings are briefed from the outset on the significance of Hong Kong's position as an associate member of the organization and pn the fact that the Hong Kong Government effectively conducts its external commercial relations, I enclose in this latter connection a copy of a note which was agreed some years ago between the Hong Kong Government and HG regarding the management of
It is still valid. Hong Kong's external commercial relations. If, despite advance briefing on the lines I have suggested difficulties arise at future ESCAP meetings about the status of the Hong Kong delegation, I would suggest that, if time allows, the UK delegation should refer to the ODM/FCO for instructions. I would hope, however, that this would not be
necessary.
JAB Stewart
CONFIDENTIAL
Y