TNAG-2028-FCO40-2890-Hong-Kong-freezing-of-Kuwaiti-and-Iraqi-assets-1990 — Page 122

Mr Burns

PS

A b

(No NG ! to

FROM:

R M Marsden

Hong Kong Department

DATE:

13 August 1990

CC:

PS/Lord Caithness

Mr McLaren

HONG KONG: MR HENRY KESWICK: FREEZING OF IRAQUI/KUWAITI

ASSETS

Problem

Mr Keswick has complained to several officials over what

he sees as shortcomings in Hong Kong's handling of the freezing of Iraqui/Kuwaiti assets. How should we respond?

1.

Haq

Recommendation

I recommend that the Secretary of State should send the

attached letter to Mr Keswick rebutting his points.

2.

Background

3.

The attached chronology covering the period 2 August,

when Hong Kong sought advice on the control of Kuwaiti

assets, to 6 August, when a Prerogative Order in Council freezing Kuwaiti and Iraqui assets in Hong Kong and other dependent territories, shows that primary legislation was introduced within three working days.

BUSAHL/1