CODE 18-77
Mr
cfx
FED
Rcc
CONFIDENTIAL
The Hoave, HICGD
349/1
A Margolis, Hong Kong the Savage, Rekking
& to FED file
2. de Glove
Thank you.
I agree,
but
HKGD lead on the Visa Office
بھانا کہ
31/0.
Her 349/1
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
· 6 JUN 1983
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
ая
REGISTRY
Action Taked
кош
ARRANGEMENTS WITH CHINA CONCERNING STATUS OF CHINESE VISA OFFICE IN HONG KONG AND ESTABLISHMENT OF CONSULATES-GENERAL IN SHANGHAI AND MANCHESTER
1.
In the Chinese draft Note on privileges and immunities for their Visa Office in Hong Kong, quoted in Peking tel No 49 of 17 May to Hong Kong, it is proposed by the PRC that the Hong Kong authorities should accept responsibility to take all appropriate measures to protect the premises of the Visa Office from any encroachment or damage and to guarantee the personal safety of its officials and their dependents.
2.
By contrast, the Chinese were unwilling, during the negotiation of the Consular Agreement, to agree to our proposal that Article 6 should confer protection not only on consular officers but also on (a) consular employees and service staff and (b) the families of all members of the consular post. It does not seem to me, therefore, that Hong Kong should agree to confer protection on (i) members of the Chinese Visa Office of lower than officer rank and (ii) dependents generally, unless they are prepared to reciprocate by giving us equal treatmen in Shanghai. Furthermore, if there is any question of the Visa Office arrangement including a provision which would confer personal inviolability and freedom from arrest or detention (see Peking tel No 44 of 4 May to Hong Kong) then we should be careful to match any such provision to the relevant wording of Article 7 of the Consular Agreement, when that Article has been finally resolved.
BB
cc. Mr Glasby, Consular Department
Mr Whomersley, Legal Advisers Miss Shepherd, Treaty Section
Cellflower
R S Glover NTD
213 6192
Mr Glover is away fill 16 June.
CONFIDENTIAL