RESTRICTED
(30)
066371
MDHOAN 1165
RESTRICTED
FM FCO
TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG
TELNO 977
OF 181618Z NOVEMBER 93
AND TO IMMEDIATE PEKING
HKC 181/3
RECE
1
993
Taken
UK/HONG KONG/CHINA AIR SERVICES
1.
737079
? 181/2. (218/3)
/m2 181/2.
Please
(Check where Gildinaires
letter, though
Goldman's letter of 23 September to Lu Ruiling of the Civil Aviation Administration of China requested talks to discuss Air Services between the UK, Hong Kong and the PRC in weeks commencing 10 or 17 January 1994.
2.
Unfortunately increasing pressure from the US to agree dates for talks in January means DOT unable to hold dates open any Longer. Grateful therefore if Peking would no longer chase Chinese authorities on these dates.
3
DOT have looked urgently at alternatives with a view to Linking dates with necessary talks on UK/Hong Kong bilateral issues. On the latter there is a need to discuss the drafting of the ASA for the HKSAR to come into force in 1997 and to discuss the capacity arrangements on the UK Hong Kong route for Summer 1994. In addition preparation is needed for the talks with the PRC. Having Looked at domestic commitments and the need to avoid the holiday period around the Chinese New Year, DOT would like to propose the following alternative dates in 1994.
A.
B.
Talks in London or Hong Kong at drafting group Level (without airlines) to discuss UK/HKSAR ASA in January.
UK/Hong Kong bilateral in Hong Kong on capacity for Summer 1994 season, outstanding questions on UK/HK SAR ASA and preparation for talks with Chinese followed by talks with Chinese in Peking. Preferred dates are for talks with Hong Kong 17/18 February and PRC 21/23 February. Fallback dates for talks with Hong Kong 27/28 January and PRC
31 January/2 February.
Grateful for urgent reply on these dates so that Peking can be asked to approach the Chinese with them.
4.
1
PAGE RESTRICTED