TNAG-2757-FCO40-3974-Hong-Kong-customs-arrangements-and-conventions-1993 — Page 6

CONFIDENTIAL

XCX(93)53

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

19

The public have not been consulted, in view of the need to keep our accession plans confidential until the Chinese have been approached.

PUBLIC REACTION

20

The general public will not be interested unless China decides to make a political issue of it. The business community will welcome the accession.

PUBLICITY

21

Any necessary consultation with the Chinese side and the accession process will take considerable time. There is no need for publicity at this stage. Public announcements and Legislative Council Briefs will be issued upon confirmation of accession to individual Conventions.

ATTENDANCE

Mrs R. IP

Secretary for Trade and Industry

Mr D.H.Y. TONG

Assistant Commissioner (Customs and Excise)

Ms J. FOAKES

Deputy Principal Crown Counsel

16 November 1993 (TIB CR 24/01/1 V)