TNAG-1022-FCO40-1272-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1981 — Page 90

CONFIDENTIAL

KOREA (See also Diplomatic Relations and Recognition, Page 48

1. The Korean peninsula has been divided since 1945. HIG recognised the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 1948, but we do not recognise North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea'). This is because although North Korea has satisfied our usual criteria for recognition for some years we have been influenced by the peculiar situation in the Korean peninsula involving as it does the UN Command, by the rapid growth in our trade links with South Korea, by the views of the Americans and Japanese who oppose recognition, and by the wish to keep in stop with other EC Member States (among which only Denmark recognised North Korea).

2. Neither Korea is a member of the United Nations, although both have observer status, and both belong to a number of UN Specialised Agencies. While the ROK would be content to see a 'two Koreans' solution to the problem of division, North Korea claims to be the sole legal Government of all Korea, and may be tempted to enforce that claim by military means if the opportunity offers itself.

3.

On new membership of Agencies, there are several possibilities:

a)

North Korea will seek membership;

b)

North Korea or an ally will question the right of the ROK to membership;

c)

the Republic of Korea will seek membership.

In case a) above, the delegation should not enter into discussion on the matter. If the issue is put to a vote, the delegation should abstain, although a consensus would be preferable. In case b), the delegation should oppose any move to deprive the ROK of legitimate membership. In case c), the delegation should support ROX membership.

(61)

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