the licence for the ASIASAT satellite. When the latter had been dealt with we were willing to discuss the position further with the Hong Kong authorities with a view to
subsequent transfer (by a second Order in Council) of powers to the Governor.
The Hong Kong authorities nevertheless pressed strongly for a transfer of powers to the Governor on the initial extension of the Act to Hong Kong
F
At the same time the Hong Kong authorities acknowledge our doubts about the practicability of Hong Kong processing the ASIASAT licence in the short timescale available and they have agreed that BNSC should handle the licence but on behalf of the Governor rather than the Secretary of State.
We have reviewed our position in view of Hong Kong's representations and have decided to meet their request because of the following factors:-
i) Legal:
ii)
!
Political:
J
iii) Practical:
There is no legal obstacle to what Hong Kong proposes. Indeed this would be in line with extensions of other legislation in similar fields such as civil aviation and merchant shipping. FCO legal advisers are content to proceed without consulting FCO Ministers.
The extension sought by the Hong Kong authorities would place them in a stronger negotiating position with the Chinese in the run up to 1997. FCO Hong Kong desk agree and urge us to meet the wishes of the Hong Kong authorities in this matter.
We need to move swiftly given the time constraints.
- BNSC would be responsible for
implementing licensing procedures for
ASIASAT.
Hong Kong have agreed that BNSC should discuss subsequent licensing machinery
CM7AAG
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