BRO.
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
9 MAR 1993
DESK OMPILER
INDEX
PA
REGISTRY E [Adion Taken:
From:
Miss S Brooks
Legal Counsellor
Date:
24 February 1993
Ms Bouch
HKD
2
3
CUSTOMS ARRANGEMENT WITH HONG KONG
1.
Of the two drafts attached to your minute of 24 February, I much prefer the Hong Kong draft, the language of which is adjusted to meet Hong Kong's needs, and its title. The HM Customs and Excise model draft would need a number of changes to reflect Hong Kong's status as a dependent territory eg the references to "states" would need to be changed. The Hong Kong text is of an understanding between departments; the UK text is of an understanding between governments. I do not see any problem with having an understanding merely between departments in this case. Neither would be governed by international law.
2. Hong Kong has autonomy in customs matters post 1997. The arrangement between departments ought to be able to survive
There is no need to consult the Chinese as the arrangement will not be a treaty.
1997.
Shelagh Brooks
Shelagh Brooks