TNAG-1739-FCO40-2455-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-UK-1988 — Page 10

To:

Mr Mathers

From: Bernadette Kelly

2 December 1988

CC

Mr Chamberlain FCO Mr Mills

WATTC: RESERVATIONS

1

I require clarification of the legal position if the UK wishes to enter reservations to the Final Acts here in Melbourne

This either on behalf of the UK but not Hong Kong, or vise versa. may be for Mr Chamberlain to provide, so I have also faxed this

advice on the minute to him. Specifically, I should welcome following questions:

i)

Does a reservation on the lines of the wording 'the delegation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reserves for its Government the right to

automatically cover Hong Kong also, given that the UK speaks here for Hong Kong?

ii) If yes, what language should we use if we wish to reserve on behalf of the UK but not Hong Kong?

111) If no, what language should we use to ensure that Hong Kong is covered in such a reservation? I imagine the insertion of the words 'and the Government of Hong Kong' would suffice.

iv) What language should we use for a reservation on behalf of Hong Kong only? I have already spoken to Mr Chamberlain about this, and he suggested that 'acting on behalf of and in the interests of Hong Kong, the delegation of the UK declares that it does not accept ...', but confirmation would be helpful.、

2

I should be grateful if you (or Mr Chamberlain) could fax a

reply to me here at the Southern Cross Hotel (fax no: Melbourne (10613)

650 2119) by close of play Friday (UK time) if possible, since we

If plan to prepare UK reservations in detail over the weekend. not, advice will be needed by close of play Monday (UK time) at the latest.

Balh

BERNADETTE KELLY