5. The Supplementary Treaty applies to our overseas territories,
but by agreement with the United States Notes will be exchanged at the time of ratification to suspend it insofar as application to
Hong Kong is concerned. This is because we are committed to discuss with the Chinese the whole question of international obligations relating to Hong Kong after 1997, and it would be
inadvisable to accept a fresh treaty obligation just at this stage
prior to such discussions. It is the intention to raise the
suspension of the Supplementary Treaty as soon as discussions with
actually intend the Chinese on the general question of extradition treaties have
to raise when discussions open
been completed. These are expected to open in March 1987. In the
meantime the basic 1972 Treaty with the United States (which is less
comprehensive) will remain in force for Hong Kong.
6. We hope to exchange ratifications on or shortly after
17 December 1986. This will be done at official level, as is the
normal practice.
9 December 1986
J2B. Beth
D F B Le Breton
Nationality & Treaty Dept