TNAG-1293-FCO40-1645-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-United-Nations-1984 — Page 29

RESTRICTED

BACKGROUND

1967

Neither the 1951 UN Convention nor the 196 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees has been extended to Hong Kong.

There is no explanation for this in treaty records. (Research Department are now looking into it). It seems likely that at the time of UK ratification of the 1951 Convention in March 1954, the special circumstances of Chinese fleeing to Hong Kong may have been a major factor in the decision to exclude Hong Kong. In more recent times, Hong Kong's position is not incompatible with that of ASEAN countries. None have ratified the Convention or Protocol but they cooperate nevertheless with UNHCR.

The draft reply has been agreed with the Hong Kong Government.

Distribution

Parliamentary Unit

Mr Donald

HKD

UND (Mr Peate)

Mr Edwards, Legal Advisers NTD (Mr Bousfield)

RESTRICTED