TNAG-2530-FCO40-3700-Hong-Kong-future-membership-of-the-Permanent-International-A-1992 — Page 17

HKC 172/1

RESTRICTED

RECEIVED IN RECKSTRY

6 JUL 1982

RESTRICTED

FM HONG KONG

TO ROUTINE FCO

TELNO 1703

DESK OFFICER

MPEX

Н.

بالا

Yours!

CM

OF 240506Z JUNE 92

1624/6

142204 MDLIAN 4707

TOP COPY Q DIST?

HONG KONG'S FUTURE MEMBERSHIP OF THE PERMANENT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROAD CONGRESSES (PIARC)

1. HONG KONG'S CURRENT PARTICIPATION IN PIARC IS IN THE FORM OF PUBLIC BODY MEMBERSHIP UNDER ARTICLE III(30 OF THE STATUTES OF PIARC AND UNDER THE BRITISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE. WE CANNOT CONTINUE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE BRITISH NATIONAL COMMITTEE AFTER 1997. BUT WE CONSIDER THERE ARE CONSIDERABLE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM OUR PUBLIC BODY MEMBERSHIP AND THEREFORE INTEND TO RETAIN IT.

2. WE CONSIDER THAT PUBLIC BODY MEMBERSHIP OF PIARC DOES NOT INVOLVE INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. IF IT DID, WE WOULD BE OBLIGED TO CONSULT THE CHINESE SIDE. WE ARE UNSURE, HOWEVER, WHETHER PUBLIC BODY MEMBERSHIP REQUIRES THE APPROVAL OR AT LEAST TACIT AGREEMENT OR ACQUIESCENCE OF THE SOVEREIGN STATE CONCERNED ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO/NO EXPRESS REQUIREMENT UNDER ARTICLE III OF THE PIARC STATUTES FOR THE 'PUBLIC BODY' MEMBER TO OBTAIN THE AGREEMENT OF ITS NATIONAL STATE. 'REGIONAL AUTHORITIES'. ON THE CONTRARY, REQUIRE SUCH AGREEMENT.

·

3. GRATEFUL FOR YOUR EARLY ADVICE AND ANY VIEWS YOU MAY HAVE ON

HK'S STATUS IN PIARC AFTER 1997.

WILSON

YYYY

ΜΑΙΝ

55

.HONG KONG AGREEMENT

.(RESTRICTED)

HKD

PUSD

DISTRIBUTION

56

NEWS D

PLANNERS

RAD

PS/MR GOODLAD

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