TNAG-1122-FCO40-1397-Dependent-Territories-and-the-Universal-Postal-Union-(UPU)-1982 — Page 10

Mr. Bo

Mr Hoare HKGD

761"

HKG 201/1

Reference........

2+Rp.

28

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MTP B

16/11 on

сп

APPU EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING ATTENDANCE BY HONG KONG

―

27

Mence the Healy,

then saw win,

at begiving of

November:

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his vull the

precedent to be

followed now.

1. Please refer to Wellington telno 351.

2.

We discussed what action might be taken as a result of this telegram. The report of the Executive Council meeting is disappointing. In the first instance, the meeting clearly misunderstood the position of Brunei which would not attend future meetings of the APPU as ''representative'' of the British ''ensemble''. The UK is responsible for Brunei's international relations, until its independence, but it does not form part of the British Overseas Territories and Administrative States (BOTAS). I am therefore minded to suggest to DOI that they write to the Secretary General of the APPU pointing out to him the distintion of Brunei and the BOTAS.

3. However, we will need to exercise great care in our next approach to the APPU because of Hong Kong's position. The New Zealand delegate to the APPU meeting has underlined the strong influence of the Chinese delegation over whether or not Hong Kong should be invited to the Council meeting to be held next year. I find it difficult to reconcile the recording of observor status to Brunei but not to Hong Kong. Although the APPU is a Sovereign organisation I suspect that its regulations (of which we do not have a copy) will make the usual noises about promoting international cooperation in postal matters. I also find it difficult to accept the refusal in the face of the precedence set by Hong Kong's attendance as an observor at a earlier meeting in 1979. There is clearly a difference between China's attitude then and now and you agreed to consult Peking about this.

4.

I also mentioned that the new Post Master General of Hong Kong will be calling on Mr Cooper, the Under Secretary in the Department of Industry on Friday 5 November. DOI have asked for a brief. I submit a draft. I should be grateful for your comments and those of copy recipients of this minute.

D T Healy

Energy, Science and

Space Department

CODE 18.77

29 October 1982

cc:

Mr Cox

FED

Mr Philipps SEAD