CODE 18-77
שלה
COLM DEY
Mr Stone
Hong Kong Department/FCO
Ра
огра
HK B
233/1
.ECEIVED IN
13 AUG 1990
CI
Reference.
FROM: D S FISH
(Ext 3444)
GIN (7-7243-3444)
DATE: 8 August 1990
29
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT MEETING WITH OSPA ON 9 AUGUST
As we have yet to hold our "strategy meeting" we agreed that it would be beat to regard the meeting as an introductory visit at which Mr Burns would get to know the players and listen to what they have to say. to hold such a meeting with me present.
It would be difficult I have had several discussions with the Chairman and Secretary of
of OSPA and with Colvin Haye.
Sir Philip Haddon-Cave Until we
and are clear about what we expect to put to Ministers I see little point in yet again debating colonial history technical debate about the possibilities open to us (and Hong Kong).
and repeating
2.
You already have a number of minutes from me from which you together a background note for Mr Burns on the views of OPD.
can put letter to Mr Burns is largely about sterling safeguards, a subject which we Mr Pusinelli's have barely addressed and one quite unfamiliar to Ministers. can but listen to what they say and perhaps recognise that HMG and the Hong At this stage we Kong Government cannot continue to say that this responsibility.
matter is the other's
3.
There is, of status beyond 1997 as Mr Maude made this point if the subject arises
It would be a surprise if the delegation did not press the case for a traditional compensation scheme. Our position on this is somewhat clearer but again we are not in a position to say anything other than to continue to point out the unique safeguards contained in the Joint Declaration. course, no question of HMCCS staff retaining their suggested in the OSPA letter of 20 July to Mr Maude. clear in his letter of 4 April to Peter Bottomley MP; you will no doubt put OSPA straight.
4.
Colvin Haye has recently visited Hong Kong and will his discussion with the Governor and others.
no doubt report on You told me that the Governor is coming to the UK at the end of the month and intends to discuss HMOCS matters then. We could tell OSPA this and say that announcements will be made as soon as possible, but without holding out the prospect of immediacy.
а
5. You may also wish to feed in the spectre of consultation with the Chinese and the effect this might have on the timetable, but this is very much matter for you.
6. If Mr Burns would like to speak to me before the meeting, I shall be in the office 1 day tomorrow.
D S FISH
Overseas Pensions Department 8 August 1990