18

Mr. Watt

Before we go any further, I think that we had better try to find out whether there has been any general ruling in this Office on the question of the grant to U.N.R.R.A. officials in the Colonial Empire of priviléges similar to those which they enjoy in this country. Perhaps you would kindly arrange for enquiries to be made on this point.

Subject to any such general ruling, I am inclined to say to the Foreign Office that we presume that the existing position in regard to the grant of privileges in Hong Kong is precisely the same as the position in this country prior to the 1945 Order-in-Council which was made under the Diplomatic Privileges (Extension) Act, 1944, that is to say that the decision as to whether these privileges and immunities should be granted in Hong Kong is a matter for the local legislature. We are prepared to ask the Governor to bring the matter before the legislature with a suitable reference to what has been done in this country, and for this purpose we should be grateful if the Foreign Office would let us have an outline of the information which should be given to the local legislature, including particulars of the immunities and privileges which have been granted to U.N.R.R.A. officials in this country.

I have spoken to Mr. Bates, and he

has never

M

20.11.46.

samp

that

20

for the question

crapped up. Although UNRRA have done some wat in

and the Far East, they have only gone

East Africe, Cyprus, and the Far East,

visits. No Iffice has been set up. grant of privileges her not eviser:

ruling

the siljest.

and

in and out

consequently the question of

and there appears

to be

Clony 25/0

no

CD.

Mr. Cade has sent out to the colonias frame time to time FO circulars requiring that specified UNARA officide (indicated by nome) be granted the und diglanatic privilys. Any 25/v M Maryle

general

C.O. meling

There does not appear thave been any this point; in addition to M. Batis infurmatin, M.K. Dept. say that the quest in has not arisen in Palestine,

Layure that am

mural accizatim

to extend this casting legislation to Hong Kong is grounds maugh for the action you prepare.

Jan wann 25/1

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