TNAG-2684-FCO40-3885-Hong-Kong-postage-stamps-1993 — Page 4

CONFIDENTIAL

CONFIDENTIAL

FM HONG KONG

TELNO 1819

HKA 205/1

My floure

121050

MDLIAN 3566

Pls consider who we need

to consult (Musi Brooks?) and

ут

19 1993

TO PRIORITY FCO

OF 010912Z DECEMBER 93

take action. Do

INFO PRIORITY PEKING, UKREP JLG HONG KONGI

iubmission

Q

2/12.

Transitional Arrangements for Postage Stamps

thil

C

refined? Wh will read

on curver by about 10/12,

We need to agree transitional arrangements for postage stamps with the Chinese

2. We are proposing to the Executive Council that our objectives in discussions with the Chinese should be

(a) agreement for the introduction of a set of definitive stamps

of neutral design to be introduced, the validity of which would extend beyond the transfer of sovereignty;

(b) agreement on the arrangements for the production of any commemorative/special stamps to be introduced on or soon after 1 July 1997 but designed before that date;

(c) the phasing out of the crown symbol on franking machine

dies prior to 1 July 1997, and agreement for the ongoing validity of a 'crownless' frank; and

(d) the avoidance of any discussions on long term arrangements

for postage stamps.

3. We have drafted an Executive Council memorandum on the subject. Copies have been faxed to HKD and Peking. We would appreciate your comments so that we can

can issue the paper for consideration by the Executive Council before the end of the year.

4. UKRep JLG concurs with the approach and has contributed to the draft Executive Council memorandum.

PATTEN

YYYY

1

PAGE CONFIDENTIAL