CONFIDENTIAL
(b) provided, however, arrangements were to follow the 1988 Berlin precedent, there would be less likelihood of such an impression being conveyed. On that occasion the Mayor of Berlin spoke first, followed by the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). The President of the FRG hosted a reception for participants one night, and the Government and Senate of Berlin hosted a reception the following night; and
(c) although precise arrangements would have to be discussed and agreed with the Chinese in due course, it is thought that it should not be too difficult to ensure that Hong Kong is given proper recognition and credit, particularly as virtually all the planning for the event would take place in Hong Kong before the change in sovereignty. The Secretary of the World Bank, Mr. Tim Thahane, who has the main responsibility for organising the Bank/Fund meetings, has indicated that he would himself be prepared to stress to the Chinese the importance of the Hong Kong authorities taking the lead in the arrangements both before and after 1997.
XCC(92)26
(ii)
as the Meetings would be held for the first time in Chinese territory, it is conceivable that the Chinese might want to take part in the planning and preparatory work. Although that would be a legitimate request, a Chinese wish to participate in the planning process would require careful handling to avoid real or perceived Chinese interference with Hong Kong's internal administration;
(iii) the costs of holding the Meetings here would be considerable and would largely have to be borne by Hong Kong. Furthermore, there would be a considerable administrative burden to be shouldered, particularly over the year or so before the Meetings. This would come at a time when the HKSARG was in its infancy and the Civil Service was heavily pre- occupied with matters relating to the change of sovereignty in July 1997 (further details in paragraphs 14-17);
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