TNAG-2112-FCO40-3011-International-Rights-and-Obligations-Sub-Group-of-the-Sino-B-1990 — Page 114

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Mr Sainty HKDWH 305)

CONFIDENTIAL

p.^. (5.7/10

Reference..

LNKC031/12

·STRY

22 OCT 1990

IRO Sub-Group: Multilateral Treaties: Customs

GISTRY

on Tien

1. The four draft papers contained in Hong Kong tel nos 2991-2995 are largely descriptive in nature and I see no legal objection to them. The papers, themselves may, of course, need some expansion in the light of any information provided by NTD.

2. However, it does seem to me that the paragraph in each paper dealing with the benefits to Hong Kong of continued application of the treaties Kould be construed as somewhat cursory. Tel no 2993, which covers the Customs Convention on the Temporary Importation for Private Use of Aircraft and Pleasure Boats 1956, is particularly notable in this respect and seems to do little more than paraphrase what the Copnvention authorises in practical terms rather than explore the underlying benefits it is intended to confer. realise that it might be thought that the benefits to trade which result from the easing of customs restrictions and formalities are so obvious as not to need further explanation but I suspect that, in this context, one should not take such an understanding for granted.

I

16 October 1990

cc: Mr Fifoot, Legal Advisers

Ms Barrett, Legal Advisers

AY1ABE

CONFIDENTIAL

s Focks

J S Foakes Legal Advisers