CONFIDENTIAL
connected with exercise of official functions. Inviolability of Head of Mission and staff (although Consular officers may be arrested in the case of a grave crime).
The Commission have also bid for inviolability of private residence of Head of Mission and staff, which is not available under the Consular regulations and so is non-negotiable.
5.
6.
Finally, while the Commission's wish to ensure the future of the office post-1997 is understandable, it is simply not possible at present: no 'mission' in Hong Kong has been given any guarantees as to what will happen post 1997, and now is not the time for raising this issue with the Chinese. We might, however, assure the Commission that this is a subject which we will certainly be discussing in advance of 1927.
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1
Taws
Emir James Pavy
Emyr Jones Parry
European Community Department
(External)
cc Mr Ricketts, HKD
CONFIDENTIAL
Ref:acon/MISC/0104.HK2