CODE 18-77
No Major
Presumably we would have to clear our lines with the Chinese in the usual way through the JLG if HK with the arrangement
to continue after
C$8/10
MR SAINTY
Reference...
RESTRICTED 1997. But perhaps the precise nature of HK's association with CSG should be clarified before entering into JLG process.
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT
(5 9/10.
H
CONSULTATIVE SHIPPING GROUP; POSSIBLE ASSOCIATE STATUS OF HONG
KONG
1.
The Consultative Shipping Group (CSG) is an informal grouping of officials dealing with shipping policy matters is most OECD countries (but not Canada or USA). The UK (in the form, of the Shipping Policy and Foreign Relations Division of DTP) provides the Secretariat for the CSG. At a recent CSG meeting held in London the Secretariat raised under any other business an expression of interest by Hong Kong in participating in some way in the activities of the CSG. understand that Hong Kong's interest, which had been expressed, informally to senior DTp officials by either the Secretary for Economic Services or members of ESB.
2.
I
Hong Kong's interest in CSG appears to be based on the territories (correct) perception that CSG co-ordinates approaches to other governments to protest against restrictive national policies in shipping. Many of these approaches (usually made in the form of demarche's in the capital of the offending country) cover restrictive practices eg. inhibitions of free-market operations of the ships, which impact on Hong Kong ships as much as they do on those of CSG members. The CSG meeting noted Hong Kong's request, and agreed that the Secretariat could continue informal contacts with Hong Kong to establish the precise nature of a form of association Hong Kong would like to have.
3. Before we or DTp take this any further with Hong Kong I should be grateful for your views as to whether any form of association along the lines Hong Kong appears to wish would need to be cleared with the Chinese. Presumably Hong Kong would wish any association to be able to continue after 1997. I should be grateful for at least a preliminary response by 15 October.
Mr/sainty
Vire spoke. hease trait.
Dariln
निपानक
Mythajar
To isore.
D Barton
ses attached
fou,2/10.
Aviation & Maritime Department WHMZ15
270 2638
21 October 1990
rec'd 8 October.
DB2ACZ
L
HKC03;
RECE
ilio
18 OCT 1990