TNAG-2525-FCO40-3688-Future-of-Hong-Kong-International-Rights-and-Obligations-(IR-1992 — Page 13

ERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.

Benefits

4.

TUE 15 DEC 92 08:24

CONFIDENTIAL

2

It is well

recognized

that

Pl.

10

bacteriological

weapons are extremely dangerous and capable of causing mass

destruction and suffering. Hong Kong is an important

centre for the trade of international goods and services.

It is, therefore, desirable that it should be made clear to

the international community from an early date that the

obligations arising from this Convention, in particular,

those prohibiting transfer and assistance in the

acquisition of such weapons will continue to apply to Hong

Kong.

Proposals

5.

should

1997

Convention

The British side propose that the

continue to apply to the Hong Kong SAR after 30 June

in accordance with the Joint Declaration.

People's

The

Republic of China became a party to the Convention

on 16 May 1978 and, provided that it remains so, it will be

necessary only to ensure that the international rights and

obligations currently affecting Hong Kong are fully

in a manner consistent with the Joint Declaration

and to consider

preserved

whether any action is needed in this

regard.

JF23

NJUNNUJ