TNAG-2167-FCO40-3103-Diplomatic-representation-of-Hong-Kong-in-China-possible-est-1990 — Page 3

ch

5.

CONFIDENTIAL

On visa issuing, we are all agreed that it is most unlikely that the office would be able to carry out this

function before 1997; the post 1997 position is less clear and I share your view that it would be best to address this issue nearer the time.

FORM AND TIMING

6.

We agree that option (d) in your paragraph 7 is by far the most appropriate. Under Article 22 of the Basic Law, the Chinese accept that a SARG office will exist after 1997. It would seem reasonable to want to give the office an 18 month to 2 year run up to 1997 during which functions could be transferred to it from other British organisations. This will be in the interest of continuity and a smooth transition. could indeed present discussions to them as part of implementation of the Basic Law.

NEXT STEPS

We

7. We agree (our telno 1492 of 8 August) that an early marker should be put down with the Chinese, but avoiding the

impression that the proposed arrangement would be regarded as a direct swap.

As already confirmed, the line set out in your telegram no 2505 of 13 August looks fine to us.

CC:

Yours Sincerely Alan Paul

A R Paul

Hong Kong Department

D Coates Esq, British Embassy, Peking

A Galsworthy Esq CMG, UKRep JLG Hong Kong

P Heap Esq CMG, SBTC Hong Kong

Mr McLaren

Mr Burns

Mr Walker, RAD

Mr Fifoot, Legal Advisers

Mr Davies, FED

CONFIDENTIAL