DRAFT PASSAGE FOR INCLUSION IN NOTE
1.
The UK notes that the PRC acceded to the Convention on
International Liability for Damage Caused by Sapce Objects 1972 (the Liability Convention) in London on 20 December
1988 and acceded on the Treaty on Principles Governing
Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and other Celestial Bodies 1967 (the Outer Space Treaty) in London on 12 January 1984.
2.
The UK also notes the China Great Wall Industry Corporation's intention to launch the Asiasat satellite from the PRC on or around 7 April 1990.
3.
The UK has been informed by the Asia Satellite
Telecommunications Company Ltd that the PRC, as a party to
the above Convention and Treaty, has undertaken to be responsible for all damage caused by the launch to other
states or their citizens under International Law.
4. The UK would wish the PRC to confirm that the
responsibilities undertaken include responsibility, under
the Liability Convention, the Outer Space Treaty and any other principles of international law, for meeting claims for compensation from other states or their citizens for any and all damage arising during the launch phase of the Asiasat satellite until the satellite has separated from the
launch vehicle. Furthermore the PRC will indemnify the UK against any and all such claims for damages or losses which may be made by other states or their citizens against the UK government whether in its national coursft or under
international law.
RN2AAS/1