TNAG-1294-FCO40-1649-Visits-by-members-of-the-Office-of-the-Unofficial-Members-of-1984 — Page 34

5. Amendment (a) has arisen because the Commission needs to have funds to

enable it to increase its activities in the region. The actual level of

contributions remains to be agreed and in this connection Hong Kong does not

wish to commit itself until the level is known. The Pitcairn Islands are

probably too sparsely populated to be interested.

6. Amendment (b) developed from the 13th Session of the Commission in April 1983 when observers from China expressed interest in participating fully in the Commission's activities.

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7. In principle we can see no problem in these proposals although we can appreciate Hong Kong's reticence on (a). New obligations for existing contracting governments can only take effect on deposit of their instruments of acceptance. We could therefore wait and see what level of contribution is eventually agreed upon before committing ourselves. Amendment (b) involves

no such new obligation, so, unless diplomatic considerations precluded this,

we could submit our instrument of acceptance. We would appreciate your views on acceptance of these amendments. It should perhaps be noted that should Hong Kong decide not to ratify the new agreement and wish to withdraw, we would still have observer status in the Commission by virtue of our membership

of FAO.

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A-Amstory.

A Armstrong

UN Department (B) ODA lo May 1984

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