TNAG-2380-FCO40-3459-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-Nationality-(Hong-Kong)-Act-19-1991 — Page 87

FROM HONG KONG RED CROSS

4.

3.1991 17120

F. 2

+

HONG KONG RED CROSS

(A CENTRAL COUNCIL BRANCH OF THE BRITISH RED CROSS SOCIETY)

Patron

H. E. The Governor

President: 9ir Run Run 9haw, C.B.E.

Chairman: Dr. T.C. Cheng, O.B.E., J.P.

Director: Mrs. Irene Y.L. Chaung, M.B.E., J.P.

Hon Treasurer: Mr. I.W. Harra

Secretary: Mr. Thomas P.W. 8In

Our Ref:

Your Ref:

HONG KONG RED CROSS HEADQUARTERS

33 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG.

TEL: 5282021

CABLE ADD: BRITREDCRO

TELEX: (IN HX BRCHK

FAX: (832)8A13959

April 8, 1991.

Mr R ME Fowler

Information Officer

British Trade Commission in Hong Kong

G PO Box No. 528

Hong Kong

Dear Mr Fowler,

British Companies in Hong Kong

Due to my recent Red Cross mission to China, I regret that I have. not been able to reply to your telexfax letter of March 19, 1991 until now.

We are of the opinion that the Hong Kong Red Cross, as a Central Council Branch of the British Red Cross Society, is related to Britain but not in the sense as one of the 'British Undertakings' which embrace British companies/commercial firms. Therefore the criteria listed in your letter to qualify certain Hong Kong companies/commercial firms as "British Undertakings', in the context of the British Passport exercise, are not applicable to us, which is a voluntary organisation established in Hong Kong as an extension of the British Red Cross Society. According to the International Red Cross principle of unity, there can be only one Red Cross organisation in each country, and so the Hong Kong Branch cannot be anything else but a crucial component of the British Red Cross Society. Our staff, though paid by Hong Kong Red Cross with local financial resources, are ultimately carrying out duties according to the objectives and directives of the British Red Cross Society. They are entitled to long service awards of the Society, and some have even been awarded the Society's Badge of Honour for Distin- guished or Devoted Service.

We do hope that somehow our unique relationship with Britain through our close tie with the British Red Cross Society is recognised, to the extent that the long and faithful service of our staff may qualify for merit points in their application for the British passport.

If you should need any further information, please do not hesitate

to contact us.

Yours, faithfully,

tume

Thomas Sin Secretary