TNAG-2335-FCO40-3399-Extradition-agreement-between-Hong-Kong-and-the-Netherlands-1991 — Page 99

CODE 18-77

Mr Furness

HKD

Miss Dickson

-

Legal Adviser

Reference.

HKC384/1

22 MAY 199

10

HONG KONG/NETHERLANDS EXTRADITION RELATIONS

Now that Hong Kong and the Dutch have what amounts to direct extradition relations, following the entry into force of the European Convention on Extradition for the UK and the consequent lapse of the old bilateral treaty, I see no objection to the appropriate authorities in ach country dealing directly with each other. I do wonder though why the Dutch feel they need to formalise the arrangement in the way proposed in Mr Schutte's letter. There seems to be no need for either FCO or Home Office involvement. However, I am not sure that any Agreement made between HK and any other country will still be considered valid after 1997. That will depend on the Chinese attitude at the time.

The substantive reply to the Dutch should I think come from the FCO rather than the Home Office, although I have no strong feelings either way.

Do you have any objections to the Dutch proposal?.

15 May 1991

E. Bousfield NTCD CL535 270 4090

Agreed with Mr Bourfield that we

should lead.

Minute to Ms Barrett.

Agreed with

Mr

Underwood

acknowledge the note

a

Mat Ho will

we will send

Substantive reply (copied to

pa Buails

HO).