TNAG-1281-FCO40-1632-Chinese-visa-office-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 144

CONFIDENTIAL

Referent HKK 349/1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

29 JUN 1983

DESK OFFICER

PA

@

REGISTRY Action Taken

Mrs J C

c Radice

PCD

Mr.

построй

INDEX

TW

CHINESE VISA OFFICE IN HONG KONG

Im

C

D,E

1.

You will be aware from recent telegrams that Hong Kong and Peking have now begun detailed consideration of the content and wording of the proposed UK/Chinese agreement on the Chinese Visa Office. We have not so far commented on the proposed drafts, but shall obviously need to do so, and in due course to submit to Ministers before any agreement with the Chinese can be signed.

2.

One important question, which must be resolved before we can approve any draft agreement, is that of the scale of privileges and immunities to be granted. I attach a copy of a minute from Mr Glover in NTD relating to this point. Our Legal Counsellor, Mr Burrows, has suggested that we seek PCD's advice on whether the scale of privileges and immunities provided for in either the Chinese or our Embassy's draft conflicts in any way with HMG's normal policy. On this matter We would not wish to seek unnecessary quarrels with the Chinese at this delicate stage of the talks on the future of Hong Kong. On the other hand we must obviously ensure that any overriding points of policy on immunities and priveleges are fully taken into account. I should be grateful if you could consider the proposed drafts and let me have your views.

3.

For ease of reference, I attach:

(i)

(ii)

text of the memorandum signed by the UK and China on 23 September 1981 establishing the Visa Office;

Peking telno's 43 and 44 1983 giving the Embassy's draft proposal for a new agreement.

(iii) Peking telno's 48 and 49 outlining the Chinese alternative proposal for an exchange of notes.

(iv)

F.G

H

J

K

(vi)

(v)

Hong Kong telno 765, commenting on the Chinese draft.

Peking telno 536 proposing reversion to the original draft contained in their telno 44.

Hong Kong telno 802 agreeing with this.

CODE 18-77

15 June 1983

cc Mr Burrows Legal Counsellor

NTD FED

Ever

CONFIDENTIAL

стами

O Walker

Hong Kong Department