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the list during which time they would remain on it. would keep Hong Kong on this list until close to 1997 when, presumably, eligibility for the list would be on a different footing (China is on the list).
The UK position has been strongly in favour of the review. The present list undermines the credibility of DAC and, when we are trying to spread scarce funds over a widening range of genuinely needy recipients, having them listed side by side with relatively wealthy countries such as the Gulf States detracts from our efforts to present the aid programme as poverty focused. It would be difficult to argue for a special status for Hong Kong, particularly as Singapore is no longer on the list.
5. The next formal discussion in DAC will take place on 24 June at the Senior Level Meeting and the mandate from the last High Level Meeting requires the issue resolved by the next High Level Meeting in December. However, the DAC secretariat have asked us informally whether we would be prepared to unilaterally remove Hong Kong from the list before then. The French have already done this for their dependencies.
6. We would be grateful for your comments including advice on whether removal of Hong Kong from the list in advance of the results of the general review would pose any particular difficulties.
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