TNAG-1150-FCO40-1430-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-European-Community-1982 — Page 56

CODE 18-77

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113

Miss Lambert ECD(E)

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Reference

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THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY AND HONG KONG

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MAR

CGE

1713

Play 17/3

1. We spoke.

If further clarification is needed, the following passage could replace the amendment suggested in my minute of 16 March:

1

Paragraph 4: After (headed by the Governor)' to read:

2.

'Because Hong Kong is a Dependent Territory there is no place for British diplomatic representation as such. However, since Hong Kong is a major market for British goods and services, there is a need for a British commercial presence in Hong Kong. Thus, the functions which the British Trade Commissioner performs, and indeed the only functions which he is allowed to perform, are those of

pure trade promotion; because of the constitutional position, it would not be appropriate for him to engage in commercial diplomatic activity

•

I attach, for your information, a copy of the draft directive to the British Trade Commissioner, and a copy of the section of our General Brief on Hong Kong dealing with the constitutional background.

C G Edgar

17 March 1982

Hong Kong and General Department K 242

233 4828