TNAG-1222-FCO40-1532-Hong-Kong-annual-review-for-1982-1983-1983 — Page 7

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RECEIVED HI REGISTRY NO. 51 Foreign and Commonwealth Office

· 2 SEP 1983

DESK OFFICER INDEX

REGISTRY

PA

Action Take

London SW1A 2AH

2 September 1983

RP Margolis Esq

Acting Political Adviser

HONG KONG

Dear Rishard,

HONG KONG 1984

1.

See ☺

Thank you for your letter of 24 August enclosing a draft

on the role of the FCO and the PA for inclusion in Hong Kong 1984.

2.

Generally speaking, I am happy with the theme of the draft

as it stands, subject to the following suggestions:

(a) Paragraph 1: The second sentence sounds a little condescending.

I suggest that the paragraph be slightly rejigged on the following lines:

'Hong Kong's status as a dependent territory means that the British Government has constitutional responsibility for its external relations. But over the years Hong Kong has been given an increasing degree of practical autonomy in the conduct of its external affairs, esepcially commercial affairs'.

(b) Paragraph 2: Last two lines to read - ... representatives of

foreigh and Commonwealth Governments resident in Hong Kong'.

(c) Paragraph 4: Replace first two sentences by

3.

'As will be apparent from the chapters dealing with Hong Kong's constitutional position, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London has the formal authority to give directions to the Hong Kong Government on a wide range of subjects. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs must answer to Parliament for the actions of the Hong Kong Government and the British Government is responsible for Hong Kong's adherence to a number of international conventions and agreements which have been extended to it. But, as often happens in the British system, the relationship is one of cooperation rather than direction and the theoretical powers are not usually exercised. '

Delete final sentence which is now covered.

I should be grateful if you could keep us informed on how this develops and if we could see the final draft of the foreign relations section before it is sent, to print.

Jaunze

Dril

R D Clift

Hong Kong Department

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