CONFIDENTIAL #2
機密
2
4.
on the
question of а Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement between Hong Kong and the US, SMA stated that a lot of work had been done but the matter was complicated by the China dimension. It was difficult to give any indication of timing. It was pointed out that any legislation which was overtly extra-territorial could serve to complicate matters and further delay progress
in this area,
5.
SMA stressed that, largely for reasons of extra- territoriality, the Hong Kong Government and FCO regarded any attempt by the US to impose US standards on banks operating in Hong Kong (or Britain) as totally unacceptable.
6.
Mr Kobler enquired whether, as a basis for understanding, a mechanism could be worked out to give the US law enforcement agencies access to information on suspicious transactions involving US currency reported by local authorised institutions. SMA pointed out that the banking sector would have strong objection to such disclosure. He agreed to consider the proposal with other departments concerned and revert to the American Consulate General shortly.
CONFIDENTIAL ##
機密
PO 398d
PP:6 9T-S
68.
XH
3SNOH LA09
000