TNAG-1655-FCO40-2303-Hong-Kong-and-the-Customs-Co-operation-Council-(CCC)-1987 — Page 179

CONFIDENTIAL ASY

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Rosemary Spencer

Date : 14 April 1987

cc: Sir D Hannay

Mr Baker, HM Embassy

14

Hong Kong Department, FCO

Mr Walton

HONG KONG MEMBERSHIP OF CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL

1.

I have spoken to Hong Kong Department of the FCO about Peking telno 609 on Hong Kong's future status as a separate member of the CCC. They said that matters were still at a fairly early stage and timing of any action in the CCC would depend on Chinese agreement. I explained that in the case of Hong Kong's accession to the GATT we had been able to do some useful prepatory work with the Commission - who were very supportive; and there had also been some lobbying of member states. Hong Kong Department undertook to ensure that UKRep was included in any preliminary lobbying exercise when the time came.

2. Abbott (DGI) told me that DGI have virtually nothing to do with the CCC; he thought that Henry Chumas would be helpful. But I think it would be better not to pursue this further with him until more progress has been made with the Chinese and an application for Hong Kong membership is in sight.

Rs

Rosemary Spencer

CONFIDENTIAL L

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