CONFIDENTIAL
XCX(93)28
Nevertheless, the Common law link is an important one and, with the notable exception of the United States, the Common Law is confined to Commonwealth countries.
5
The Head of the Commonwealth is the Queen. The association does not have any formal charter, treaty or constitution. It exists as a consultative body for the purpose of mutual assistance. There are currently 50 members. As a dependent territory of the United Kingdom, Hong Kong is not a member in its own right but is regarded as being "within the Commonwealth". This enables Hong Kong to participate in the various activities organised by or related to the Commonwealth. Such activities may be classified into -
(a)
(b)
(c)
"governmental" activities in which participation is normally confined to governments or government representatives. The main examples in this category are the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (every two years), the annual meetings of the Commonwealth Finance Ministers, and frequent meetings of Ministers and officials in the fields of trade, law, education, health, science, agriculture, labour and employment;
"non-governmental” activities in which participation is open to individuals or groups of individuals. This category includes the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Commonwealth Dental Association and the Commonwealth Engineers Council; and
legal links between Commonwealth countries in areas such as extradition, reciprocal enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters, payment of maintenance and various other civil procedural legal matters.
Guidance Note of 1988
6
In January 1988, the then Deputy Chief Secretary issued a guidance note on Hong Kong's relations with the Commonwealth. He proposed that, while private individuals participating in Commonwealth activities without Government support or sanction could continue to do so, policy branches should consider what steps should be taken to withdraw
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.