CODE 18.77
mcy wer Says 1983,
ट्ठ
}
?
Mr Philipps
SEAD
Room W86/A
RESTRICTED
*
Reference..
HICIE
022/5
7 Paorla
UNA 250/7
PA
CSE
5/9
WHO: UK SEAT ON THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGIONAL COMMITTEE,
1.
34.
33
(36
You should by now have seen a copy of Hong Kong's reply (attached for ease of reference) to Mr McQuade's letter of Je 4 August about the question of Hong Kong's covering the UK seat at forthcoming Western Pacific Regional Committee meetings of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
2.
Hong Kong appear to envisage assuming responsibility for the Western Pacific region from 1983 onwards although Mr McQuade's letter under reference specifically stated that we would prefer any new arrangements to wait until our responsibilities for Brunei's external affairs finally cease (ie. after 31 December 1982). The question of representing Brunei's interests appears not to have been a problem in the past (Brunei, I understand, take very little interest in WHO affairs). However, with the fast approaching onset of full independence the position may have changed. I should be grateful for your comments. We may need to go back to Hong Kong on this.
3. I have also intercepted (the correspondence normally going direct to ODA whose responsibility it is) a reminder, copy also attached, from the WHO office in Manila that we have not yet informed them of the composition of the UK delegation. I had understood that we were intending to ask the Embassy in Manila to keep an eye on this year's Regional Committee meeting. I note from the file, however, that this was discusse between Mr Powell and Mr Godfrey while I was on leave and it was agreed that Manila would not be brought in until 1983. Although we do not therefore envisage anyone from the Embassy attending for part or all of this year's meeting, Mr Powell may wish to consider putting the Embassy in the picture. (This year's Regional Committee meeting will be held in Manila from 20 24 September.)
6 September 1982
Copies to: Mr Powell (SEAD)
Mr Edgar
(HK&G)✓
RESTRICTED
Mrs G Tucker
United Nations Departmen Room K143 233 5032