HKC 172/1
RESTRICTED
RECEIVED IN RECKSTRY
6 JUL 1982
RESTRICTED
FM HONG KONG
TO ROUTINE FCO
TELNO 1703
DESK OFFICER
MPEX
Н.
بالا
Yours!
CM
OF 240506Z JUNE 92
1624/6
142204 MDLIAN 4707
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HONG KONG'S FUTURE MEMBERSHIP OF THE PERMANENT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROAD CONGRESSES (PIARC)
1. HONG KONG'S CURRENT PARTICIPATION IN PIARC IS IN THE FORM OF PUBLIC BODY MEMBERSHIP UNDER ARTICLE III(30 OF THE STATUTES OF PIARC AND UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE. WE CANNOT CONTINUE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE AFTER 1997. BUT WE CONSIDER THERE ARE CONSIDERABLE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM OUR PUBLIC BODY MEMBERSHIP AND THEREFORE INTEND TO RETAIN IT.
2. WE CONSIDER THAT PUBLIC BODY MEMBERSHIP OF PIARC DOES NOT INVOLVE INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. IF IT DID, WE WOULD BE OBLIGED TO CONSULT THE CHINESE SIDE. WE ARE UNSURE, HOWEVER, WHETHER PUBLIC BODY MEMBERSHIP REQUIRES THE APPROVAL OR AT LEAST TACIT AGREEMENT OR ACQUIESCENCE OF THE SOVEREIGN STATE CONCERNED ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO/NO EXPRESS REQUIREMENT UNDER ARTICLE III OF THE PIARC STATUTES FOR THE 'PUBLIC BODY' MEMBER TO OBTAIN THE AGREEMENT OF ITS NATIONAL STATE. 'REGIONAL AUTHORITIES'. ON THE CONTRARY, REQUIRE SUCH AGREEMENT.
·
3. GRATEFUL FOR YOUR EARLY ADVICE AND ANY VIEWS YOU MAY HAVE ON
HK'S STATUS IN PIARC AFTER 1997.
WILSON
YYYY
ΜΑΙΝ
55
.HONG KONG AGREEMENT
.(RESTRICTED)
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