JA4AXL
CONFIDENTIAL
(84)
Brief sent to Mr. Madelin, DTI,
on 15 14
ра
GATT.
MR CLARK'S MEETING WITH MR KELLEHER, CANADIAN MINISTER
FOR EXTERNAL TRADE, PARIS, 17 APRIL
HONG KONG AND GATT
Points to Make
1.
Would like to reiterate points made by the High Commissioner
in Ottawa to Assistant Under Secretary in the Department of External
Affairs on 15 April about Hong Kong's future participation in the
GATT.
2.
Have now agreed with the Chinese
on a procedure aimed at
ensuring that Hong Kong's present
present autonomous position in the GATT
continues after it becomes a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of
the PRC in 1997.
3.
We will shortly approach the GATT Secretariat to put the
procedure formally into effect. We will make a declaration under
GATT article XXVI (5) (c) that Hong Kong is deemed to be a contracting
party. The PRC will make a parallel declaration about the status of
the Hong Kong SAR after 1997, which will make it clear that Hong
Kong may continue to be deemed to be a contracting party.
4.
In view of importance of external trade to Hong Kong, these arrangements of fundamental significance for Hong Kong's future stability and prosperity. We have been grateful for consistent Canadian political support for objectives of Sino-British agreement
on Hong Kong's future. Hope we can count equally on Canadian
understanding and support over this issue. No action needed
merely acquiescence when our and Chinese declarations are circulated
by GATT Secretariat.
HKK 18211
RECEIVED IN RÉGISTRY
1 8 APR 1986
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY
Action Taken
AB B4
CONFIDENTIAL