TNAG-2297-FCO40-3321-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IRO)-Sub-Gro-1991 — Page 168

COVERING CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Evans

ESED

HKC031/9

Reference

APPLICATION TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997 OF MULTILATERAL

CONSERVATION TREATIES

.P.a.

Cs

1. In order to ensure the continued application to Hong Kong after 1997 of multilateral treaties giving rise to international rights and obligations, we are obliged to consult the Chinese about each treaty on a one by one basis. Hong Kong are currently considering those multilateral conservation treaties which the UK has extended to the

territory.

2.

At an early stage in the consultation process, we hand over to the Chinese a short paper describing each of the treaties and its value to Hong Kong. Hong Kong have prepared papers on two conservation treaties, the texts of which are contained in Hong Kong telnos 808-810 (copies

attached). The treaties in question are:

(a) Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat

(b) Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species

of Wild Animals

3.

Hong Kong are seeking our comments. I should be grateful for any comments or advice you may have on these papers, whose format follows closely that used with other

batches of treaties. I should like to be able to reply to

Hong Kong by 26 March.

CAMAFJ/1

COVERING CONFIDENTIAL

CODE 18-77

VAS