TNAG-0242-FCO40-278-Conduct-of-Hong-Kong-commercial-relations-1970 — Page 81

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Revised Draft (2 April, 1970)

Hong Kong's External Commercial Relations

(excluding Hong Kong/UK Trade)

ANNEX

It is agreed that Hong Kong's external commercial

relations should be conducted on the basis of the following

understanding:

1.

The constitutional position is that HMG are respons-

ible for the conduct of Hong Kong's external relations

(including commercial relations): it being understood that

in keeping with their obligations under the United Nations

Charter this responsibility is exercised for the purpose of

protecting the best interests of the people of Hong Kong and

in the exercise of this responsibility HMG will pay regard to

the Hong Kong Government's views as to where those best

interests lie.

2.

The Hong Kong Government will accordingly keep HMG

informed from the earliest practicable stage of developments

in the field of its external commercial relations.

Bilateral Discussions and Negotiations

3.

Where HMG have not indicated that considerations of

British international commercial policy are involved the

Hong Kong Government is responsible for determining the

course of and for the conduct of Hong Kong's external commer-

cial relations with such assistance as it may be agreed can

be furnished by HMG or HMG's overseas representatives.

venue of such negotiations shall be a matter for decision

between the Hong Kong Government and any third party.

The

14.