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EXS(E)'s dreapt
17/9105
From : John Macgregor
Date :
ECD (E)
270 2289
17 September 1993
cc: PS/Mr Heathcoat-Amory
Mr Crowe
Ma Appyard
Mr Hum
Heads HKD, D
Mr Wright, UKRep
Brussels
PS/Mr Goodlad
EC COMMISSION OFFICE IN HONG KONG
Mr Eaton, Legal
Advisers
Problem
1. Whether to authorise Hong Kong to enter into an international agreement with the Commission concerning the Privileges and Immunities of the planned Commission Office in Hong Kong.
Recommendation
2. I recommend that we do so. HKD, UKRep Brussels and Mr Eaton, Legal Advisers, agree.
Background and Argument
3.
The background to the establishment of an EC Office in Hong Kong is contained in Miss Conroy's submission of 20 July. The Commission and the Hong Kong Government are apparently close to agreement on the Privileges and Immunities question, and hope to finalise by the end of September.
4.
The relevant Hong Kong legislation (CAP 190) requires an international agreement rather than simply an administrative arrangement between the two parties. However, before they can enter into any international agreement, the Hong Kong Government require an entrustment from the UK. They have now
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REF:ASIA-PACIFIC/1609.Hongkong
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