TNAG-2109-FCO40-3008-Outer-Space-Act-1986-extension-to-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 337

Ms N Hancock

Hong Kong Department

FCO

King Charles II Street

London SWLA 2AH

BNSC

PER

NH 2712

26 February 1990

Dear

Nicola,

OUTER SPACE ACT : HONG KONG

31/9

HKC031/9

RECE

Our Ref: ZF/258/015

STRY

35

15 MAR 1880

DESKO

INDEX

both FCO and

Having discussed Hong Kongelegra DTI legal advisers, I am prepared to agree to the Hong Kong request that in extending the Act to Hong Kong licensing and regulatory powers should be transferred to the Governor. However, this is on the understanding that BNSC will handle the ASIASAT licence and will subsequently vet the licensing procedures to be set up in Hong Kong to regulate future space activities emanating from Hong Kong.

I shall inform DTI Ministers of the course we are adopting, but you can go ahead now and convey our decision to Hong Kong. In doing so would you please include the following passage in your outgoing telegram:-

"We have reviewed the position in the light of the arguments put forward in your telegram No 665. Against that background we are prepared to agree to the transfer of licensing and regulation making powers from the Secretary of State to the Governor in extending the Outer Space Act to Hong Kong subject to the following conditions:-

i) BNSC will be responsible for handling the licensing of the first ASIASAT satellite though the licence will be issued on behalf of the Governor rather than the Secretary of State.

ii)

Hong Kong will send a team of officials to discuss the setting up of subsequent licensing machinery in Hong Kong.

iii) BNSC agreement to proposed licensing procedures in

Hong Kong will be required before they are put into practice.

CM7AAH

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