TNAG-1401-FCO40-1873-Future-of-Hong-Kong-continued-participation-in-the-General-A-1985 — Page 143

CONFIDENTIAL &

12

to the Belgian Government as part of the

British Embassy to that country. With Hong

Kong having de jure autonomy in the conduct of

its external commercial relations it may be

possible for the Brussels Office to be accredited

with EEC direct. However this has not been

investigated.

Hong Kong will continue to look

to British posts for their support which should

be forthcoming given HMG's continued responsibilit

for the administration of Hong Kong up to 1997.

Public reaction

18.

Resolution of Hong Kong's legal

status in the GATT and the CCC beyond. 1997 will

contribute immensely to confidence in Hong Kong's

continued prosperity.

It will be welcomed by the

commercial community and the public at large

in Hong Kong.

Publicity

19.

As this issue needs referral to HMG

and subsequent discussion in the JLG, no

publicity should be given at this stage.

SENTIA