TNAG-0466-FCO40-531-Hong-Kong-s-interests-in-EEC-capitals-1974 — Page 78

PERSONNEL IN CONFIDENCE

Mr Stuart (HKIOD)

Reference..

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HKK 6/598/2 (39)

هم

A

B

A+C:38

HONG KONG REPRESENTATION IN BRUSSELS

1.

The Governor has proposed that Hong Kong Representation should be raised from Counsellor to Ministerial level, and also that instead of being attached to the Embassy in Brussels the Hong Kong representative should be a member of the Mission to the EEC.

2.

To take the latter first, Sir M Palliser has confirmed his views (UKREF Brussels telegram number 673) as stated in his letter to the Governor on 28 February 1972 that the Hong Kong representation should be retained in the Embassy. He does not think the Governor's analogy of the GATT is correct as Hong Kong is excluded from the scope of our membership of the Communities. Sir M Palliser expresses the hope that the close relationship with the Hong Kong representative will continue. We also think that this is right.

3. We see value in the Governor's suggestion that a Minister should represent Hong Kong in Brussels, (UKREP telegram no 673 and Brussels telegram no 199). POD and PPD also concur on the understanding that all costs are borne by the Hong Kong Government and that the person selected is of a calibre which would merit Grade 3 in the Diplomatic Service. Mr Burgess the Governor's current suggestion - would be acceptable,

4.

One problem remains namely that as Minister the Hong Kong Representative would be senior in rank to the number two in the Embassy in Brussels. However, this is not insuperable. Two solutions have been suggested. Firstly, we would make it clear that in the absence of the Ambassador the Counsellor would become Chargé as at present. In any event it will have to be made clear in the nominee's designation that he is concerned purely with Hong Kong affairs. Secondly HM Ambassador in Brussels has suggested that his Counsellor should be given the local rank of Minister. There are precedents. POD (Mr Scott) do not rule this out. In any case it is an internal FCO decision and does not affect the question from the Hong Kong point of view.

Points to make:-

1 1:

We have assumed that the Hong Kong Government will pay all expenses in connection with this appointment.

We are asked however, to make this quite clear and seek explicit confirmation that this is the Hong Kong Government's understanding.

2. The Governor has not made clear whether he intends Mr Burgess to replace or to be in addition to Mr Dodge. It will be useful to know his views.

14 June 1974

allows

M A Goodfellow

HKIOD

PERSONNEL IN CONFIDENCE