TNAG-2516-FCO40-3671-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1992 — Page 5

Mr Lodge ESED

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АКС

030/12

CM

HONG KONG'S PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS OF THE PARTIES OF THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL

1. It is clear that the protocol would permit Hong Kong to attend with observer status.

2. I do not believe the Chinese would object since, unlike the climate change conference, Hong Kong would not have the status of a full member nor is the meeting a Ministerial one.

We have a policy supporting Hong Kong's participation at the highest appropriate level in International Organisations and Conferences.

3.

4.

Although this is not our area I would have thought that there were good environmental grounds for seeking to make clear Hong Kong's separation from the UK now, and from China after 1997. If we do not wish Hong Kong to obtain LDC status after 1997 there seems little sense in making it part of the sovereign power's delegation.

5.

I am afraid I cannot give you clear guidance on the question of whether Hong Kong will have LDC status after 1997. we have agreed with the Chinese that the

International Rights and Obligations of the Montreal Protocol will continue to apply to Hong Kong after 1997. Prima Facie this would seem to imply that Hong Kong's status would remain unchanged. But this would need to be clarified when, much nearer to 1997, we discuss the detailed arrangement for the continued application of the treaty.

From the above you will see that I am in strong support of Hong Kong attending as an observer.

6.

RABBut

RAJ Bunten

Hong Kong Department

WH 305 270 2655

25 February 1992

RB3AAI JRB

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