TNAG-2320-FCO40-3364-Human-rights-in-Hong-Kong-1991 — Page 36

CODE 18-77

HKC241/2

Reference

LSNAAL

48

Ms Major

HKD

The

CHILO.

EXTENSION TO

UN CONVENTION ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE CHINESE: HONG KONG

1.

The UK signed the Convention in April last year and began consultations with the Dependent Territories about the terms on which they would be included in the United Kingdom ratification. A couple (Anguilla and Gibraltar) are reluctant to be included whilst others have asked to see the areas where the United Kingdom will need to make reservations before commenting further. Hong Kong was one such Terriory. We have completed the Whitehall scrutiny and have identified the areas where we will need to make reservations. These were diseased described in a press release (following an inspired PQ) which I attach.

2. I understand that any new international obligation entered into by the UK on behalf of Hong Kong now has to be put to the Chinese who then have, I think 30 days, to consider it. I am not sure at what stage this has to be done but I would guess at the point at which we have final texts of the reservations and declarations which we intend to make when ratifying.

3. Subject to your views I think we should now let the Hong Kong Governement see our areas of difficulty and ask for theirs. We can them jointly draft up the reservations to put to the Chinese. I attach a draft letter to Hong Kong.

Peter Broom

Peter Broom

UND K147

270-2484

Human Rights: General

One addition suggested.

A Broom will isove.

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