TNAG-2297-FCO40-3321-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IRO)-Sub-Gro-1991 — Page 146

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Reference

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Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (Vienna) and the Montreal Protocol

An extremely important Convention and associated Protocol. The Department of the Environment have promised us some comments on the draft paper.

Convention Relating to the Preservation and Protection of Fur Seals in the North Pacific Ocean

Treaty Section advise that this dates back to 1911 and that China is not a Party. I can see no reason why Hong Kong should remain associated.

Convention for the Regulation of Whaling and its Protocol

This is an extremely important Convention to which both the UK and China (24/9/80) are Parties. Both we and MAFF (

(who lead on whaling policy) believe that it would be difficult for us to justify allowing Hong Kong to exempt itself from the Convention. Although Hong Kong is not a whaling nation neither is the vast majority of IWC members including China. It is important for Hong Kong's environmental credentials that it remains associated.

Arrangements for the Regulation of Antarctic Pelagic Whaling

China is not a Party and we agree with Hong Kong that these arrangements, to which the UK signed up in 1962, have little relevance to the Territory.

Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage

Again, both the UK and China (12/12/85) are Parties to this convention.

association.

It would make sense for Hong Kong to continue its

2 April 1991

cc: Jill Barrett, Legal Adv.

Miss Martin NTCD (for info)

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Julian Evans

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