TNAG-1546-FCO40-2110-International-Committee-of-the-Red-Cross-(ICRC)-proposal-to--1986 — Page 38

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CALL BY PETER KUNG,

Orr 19/1/2

DELEGATE GENERAL FOR EUROPE, INTERNATIONAL

COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS (ICRC), 4PM, 10 DECEMBER 1986

1.

Mr Kung will call on you at 4pm today to discuss ICRC's proposal to open a Regional Delegation in Hong Kong. The details of ICRC's proposals are in Moss' teleletter of 1 December. Hong Kong, Peking and UKM IS Geneva (again) have also commented. We have also consulted UND and MVD here.

2.

(a)

(b)

We understand that Mr Kung will seek your views on:

whether we would have

have any objection in principle to ICRC establishing a Regional Delegation in Hong Kong;

what the status of their Hong Kong office would be;

and

(c)

a

3.

ICRC representative to Hong Kong next

visit by an ICRC

.

month to discuss details.

In

essence the position seems to be that neither we (NB ICRC have no office in the UK), Hong Kong, nor Peking see any difficulty of principle with (a); (b) (since it concerns

privileges to be provided locally under Hong Kong law or by

administrative arrangements) is a matter for Hong therefore (c) should be encouraged.

4.

Mr Kung:

(a)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

Kong ; and

I suggest therefore that you take the following line with

Opening an office in Hong Kong

Both we and Hong Kong (whom we have consulted) see some advantages in your proposal. No obstacles of principle, so far as we can see.

Need to bear in mind sensitivities. of Hong Kong's unique position eg possible sensitivities of ICRC activities, from Hong Kong office, in China or Taiwan. Also need to bear in mind that Hong Kong determines own visa policy, and in light of its special circumstances necessarily adopts a restrictive policy on admissions from the Eastern bloc.

In light of Hong Kong's circumstances we Would wish informally to tell Chinese

advance of ICRC already have sounded

proposal.

Understand

out Chinese?

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