TNAG-0211-FCO40-247-Reorganisation-of-Hong-Kong-Government-Office-in-London-1969 — Page 49

took place with bur knowledge and agreement.

It goes without saying that any such talks

could not involve any commitment on the part of

Her Majesty's Government.

I think that it was generally agreed at

our discussions that the question of immunities

for the Head of the reorganised Office did not

arise. So far as privileges are concerned, you

explained that you were seeking no more than

reciprocity as between the Administrative

Commissioner in London and the United Kingdom

Trade Commissioner in Hong Kong. Our subsequent

this aspect

researches into the position of the latter

Affieer have failed to reveal that be the latter

receives any privileges other than that of

exemption from income tax, on which reciprocity.

treatment has already been achieved.

However,

I must confess that we have as yet been unable

< the UW Trade Commissioner, to establish beyond doubt that he is not in

Hong Kong

receipt of any other privileges and if, in fact

he is accorded any privileges by the Hong Kong

Government, we should be most grateful if you

would let us know what they amount to. You did

say that you would not rule out the possibility

of a wider exchange of privileges between the

two posts than exists at present, if that were

considered desirable. The position on this

remains as stated in the penultimate paragraph

of my letter to you of 4th October. We should

Suggestions

have to treat any proposals for such wider

for

exchange as a separate issue and before the

reasons given in my letter, I cannot hold out

much hope that any such proposals would find

acceptance here.

I hope that in the light of this letter you will now feel able to go ahead with your plans for the reorganisation of the Hong Kong Office here

Pice without further delay.

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