- 1
DRAFT SPEAKING NOTE
HONG KONG/INDONESIA AIR SERVICES
1. During the negotiations. on the Sino-British Joint
Declaration on the Question of Hong Kong, which was signed in
December 1984, the Chinese side made it clear that international
rights and obligations affecting Hong Kong under UK treaties
could not survive in that form after 30 June 1997 (from which
date China will resume sovereignty over Hong Kong). These include
rights and obligations relating to scheduled air services under
the relevant UK air services agreements (ASAs).
2.
to
In order, therefore,
ensure that there could be
continuity of scheduled air services to and from Hong Kong from
1 July 1997, the United Kingdom explained to China that it would
separate into two agreements each UK ASA that included Hong Kong
routes. The separated agreement covering Hong Kong routes would
be signed by the Hong Kong Government on the authority of the UK
Government on the one side and by the Government of the country
concerned on the other side, and would deal with scheduled
services on routes between that country and Hong Kong. Services
on routes between the UK and that country would, of course,
continue to be governed by the ASA signed by the UK Government.
3. On the basis that, prior to 1997, such separate ASAS between
Hong Kong and its aviation partners would have been established,
and that those ASAS would be capable of continuing in force
beyond 30 June 1997, the UK and Chinese Governments agreed
Section IX of Annex I to the Joint Declaration on the Question
of Hong Kong (copy attached). The Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region, which Hong Kong will become with effect
from 1 July 1997, is to enjoy a high degree of autonomy. Hence
provision in the Joint Declaration for it to have, inter alia,
its own ASAS.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.