TNAG-2297-FCO40-3321-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IRO)-Sub-Gro-1991 — Page 83

CONFIDENTIAL

OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION

Eland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5DH

Telex 263907/8 Fax 071-273 0303

Mr Julian Evans

Environmental Science and Energy

Telephone:

Direct line 071-273 0548

Switchboard 071-273 3000

GTN 273

Your ref:

Division

FCO

Whitehall

London SW1

Our ref:

Date: 22 April 1991

HH.C031/9

"

pa.

GS

22

See 24

FAO/IPFC AND HONG KONG

Your letter of 16 April refers.

2.

The opening paragraph of the draft paper is inaccurate. The 17th Session of the IPFC was held in November 1976. The change of title was approved by the 72nd Session of FAO Council in November 1977. The remainder of the text is accurate.

3.

I attach copies of some recent FAO documentation which relates to a current review of IPFC structure and its range of responsibilities. It is our (ODA) view that the IPFC incorporates a number of functions which are duplicated by other international or intergovernmental organisations, and could be more appropriately focused. However, the South China Sea Committee and SCORRAD are the two Committees which are long-established and fully effective, not creating particular overlap and dealing with matters of significant regional importance. Hong Kong has traditionally been represented at IPFC meetings because

its significant economic and social interest in IPFC activities. There is every justification for continuing this close involvement, which is beneficial to Hong Kong and to exchanges with other member states of IPFC.

4. However, you will also wish to note references in the attached papers to China's intention to join IPFC at some undefined date in the near future. (China has become a a very vocal participant at recent biennial sessions of the FAO Committee on Fisheries). I suspect that if and when this occurs, this may influence the continued separate membership of Hong Kong once it loses its current basis for membership as a dependent territory of UK.

d. Clausu

?

ор

Dr J Tarbit

Senior Fisheries Adviser

CC: Mr Allen, UNCD

CONFIDENTIAL