ODE 18-77
Mr Stone
Hong Kong Department/FCO
Reference.........................../..................、)
FROM: D 9 FISH
(Ext 3444)
GIN (7-7243-3444)
DATE: 8 August 1990
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT MEETING WITH OSPA ON 9 AUGUST
As we have yet to hold our "strategy meeting" we agreed that it would be beat to regard the meeting as an introductory visit at which Mr Burns would get to know the players and listen to what they have to say. It would be difficult to hold such a meeting with me present. I have had several discussions with the Chairman and Sacretary of OSPA and with Sir Philip Haddon-Cave and Colvin Haye. Until we are clear about what we expect to put to Ministers I see little point in yet again debating colonial history and repeating technical debate about the possibilities open to us (and Hong Kong).
2. You already have a number of minutes from me from which you can put together a background note for Mr Burns on the views of OPD. Mr Pusinelli's letter to Mr Burns is largely about sterling safeguards, a subject which wa have barely addressed and one quite unfamiliar to Ministers. At this stage we can but listen to what they say and perhaps recognise that HMG and the Hong Kong Government cannot continue
Say that this matter is the other's responsibility.
to
3. It would be a surprise if the delegation did not press the case for a traditional compensation scheme. Our position on this is somewhat clearer but again we are not in a position to say anything other than to continue to point out the unique safeguards contained in the Joint Declaration. There is, of no question of HMOCS staff retaining their status beyond 1997 as suggested in the CSPA letter of 20 July to Mr Maude. Mr Maude made this point clear in his letter of 4 April to Peter Bottomley MP; if the subject arises you will no doubt put OSPA straight.
course,
4.
Colvin Haye has recently visited Hong Kong and will no doubt report on his discussion with the Governor and others. You told me that the Governor is coming to the UK at the end of the month and intends to discuss HMOCS matters then. We could tell OSPA this and say that announcements will be made as soon as possible, but without holding out the prospect of immediacy.
5. You may also wish to feed in the spectre of consultation with the Chinese and the effect this might have on the timetable, but this is very much matter for you.
6. If Mr Burns would like to speak to me before the meeting, I shall be in the office 1 day tomorrow.
D S FISH
Cul
Overseas Penkions Department 8 August 1990
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