TNAG-2110-FCO40-3009-Hong-Kong-participation-in-international-organisations-1990 — Page 61

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80

Reference.

HKC031/10

1 8 OCT 1990

*CK OFFIC

as and

AY

EGISTRY

¦ Action Taken

Mr Barton, AMD

CONSULTATIVE SHIPPING GROUP (CSG): POSSİBLE-ASSOCIATE STATUS

OF HONG KONG

1.

2.

Thank you for your minute of 1 October.

Generally speaking, when we are considering the question of Hong Kong's participation after 1997 in an organisation giving rise to international rights and obligations, we consult the Chinese through the Joint Liaison Group in accordance with a set of agreed guidelines. In the case of

the CSG, however, which you have described as an "informal grouping of officials", it is not clear that this would be necessary or appropriate.

3.

On the other hand, you point out that the CSG coordinates approaches to other governments. According to the Sino British Joint Declaration, management of Hong Kong's foreign affairs will not fall within the scope of the autonomy which the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will enjoy after 1997, but will be the responsibility of the Central People's Government. The Chinese could therefore reasonably expect to be consulted if Hong Kong wished its association with the CSG to continue beyond 1997.

4. You also point out that the CSG deals with "shipping policy matters in most OECD countries". After 1997 Hong Kong will be part of the PRC: would it still be appropriate for it to participate in the CSG under these circumstances?

5.

In the light of these considerations, I think it would be premature to offer a definitive view on the way forward vis-à-vis consultations with the Chinese. I would suggest rather that we should seek to clarify with Hong Kong and DTP

CODE 18-77

JL6AAG/1

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