TNAG-2521-FCO40-3680-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1992 — Page 58

even ch

HUUJL LIVES ISSEIO.

Proposals

CONFIDENTIAL

3

6.

Annex

The British side consulted the Chinese side on 14

September 1989 on Hong Kong's continued participation after

1997 in the INMARSAT. In the consultation paper (a copy at

C), we have explained that a number of ships currently registered in Hong Kong carry ship earth stations

and the Hong Kong Telecommunications Authority acts as a

"routing

organization" for submitting applications to

INMARSAT for ship earth stations in respect of Hong Kong

registered ships.

At the IRO Sub-group meetings held on

24-26 April 1990 the Chinese side agreed that Hong Kong

could continue to participate in the activities of the

INMARSAT after

1997

and that the

telecommunications

administration of the HKSAR government may continue to

operate as

routing organization in respect of Hong Kong registered ships for the submission of applications to

INMARSAT for the use of space segment (a copy of the Record

of Agreement at Annex D).

7.

Joint

to the

left to

which

In accordance with this agreement and with the

Declaration, the Agreement should continue to apply

Hong Kong SAR after 30 June 1997. The only matter

discuss is, therefore, the practical mechanism by

the two sides can ensure the continued application of international rights and obligations. In the opinion

of the British side, the best method for securing this objective would be as described in paragraph 7 of the paper

handed to the Chinese side on 15 March 1989.

these

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CONFIDENTIAL