CONFIDENTIAL
RR
Reference...ED 845/513/001.
iscom, 231,
28%
Mr Long
Cultural Relations Department
FCO
FROM:
I F Stickels
DATE:
22 January 1990
HONG KONG AND THE COMMONWEALTH AFTER 1997
Thank you for sending me under compliments a copy of Mr Martin's letter of 18 December and Mr Cordiner's minute of 22 December, both to Miss Major.
2. There are two scholarship schemes under which Hong Kong currently receives ODA assistance, the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and the ODA Shared Scholarship Scheme (ODASSS). Dr Iredale's minute of 12 January to Mr Raleigh (Aid Policy Department) copy attached, sets out our thoughts on the position. A copy of Mr Raleigh's reply is also attached.
3. If it is both legally consistent and practical politics, the latter
taking into account likely wider Commonwealth reaction) for Hong Kong to continue to participate in Commonwealth Schemes, Education Department would then need to put the question in respect of CSFP to the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission. I doubt whether the Commission would, in these circumstances, want to do other than recommend approval.
4. As to whether it is sensible to test all this seven years before the event we must leave to those in the Diplomatic Wing who are considering the wider question. Paragraph 3 of Dr Iredale's minute is not saying that there is pressure for a decision by the time of the Commonwealth Education Minister's Conference in November, only that the question might arise there. If it does it could, if necessary, be parried rather than answered.
5. I shall be grateful if you will let me know if an when you wish me to pursue the legal position in respect of CSFP. I do not want to do this out of turn with other action on the overall question.
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
II Saikels
23 JAN 1990
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IF Stickels
EDUCATION DIVISION
CONFIDENTIAL
Taken!