TNAG-2743-FCO40-3958-Visits-by-Commonwealth-officials--ministers-and-public-figur-1993 — Page 78

For decision on

8 June 1993

CONFIDENTIAL

(22

Blue Volume XXXXXV (10)

AKB 020|1

XCX(93)28

Copy No. 28

MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG'S LINKS WITH THE COMMONWEALTH

THE PROBLEM

ть

M Mar's Mir Sandak See räft

Hong Kong's formal status as a dependent territory of a Commonwealth country (UK) will cease in 1997. Since Hong Kong will not be an independent sovereign state, it cannot become a participating member in its own right. We therefore need to consider what informal links with the Commonwealth may be maintained.

RECOMMENDATION AND ADVICE SOUGHT

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It is recommended that -

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(a)

(b)

where desirable and practicable, Hong Kong's informal links with the Commonwealth, which can survive the change of sovereignty, should be maintained; and

the proposals for dealing with the existing links with the Commonwealth as set out in paragraph 7 should be adopted.

Members will be asked to advise whether this recommendation should be approved.

BACKGROUND AND ARGUMENT Background

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The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent sovereign states, each responsible for its own policies, consulting and co- operating in their common interests and in the promotion of greater international understanding. English Common Law forms the basis of the legal system in many Commonwealth countries, although in most cases it has been adapted by local statute to suit individual needs and circumstances.

Executive Council