TNAG-2803-FCO40-4043-Canadian-proposal-for-a-multilateral-meeting-on-Hong-Kong-in-1993 — Page 8

15 DEC 193 11:01 CDN HIGH COMM LONDON 44713586606

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Canadi‹ High Commission

Political Affairs

Baut Commissariat du Fanndu

Affaires politiques

Tel: 071-258-6519

071-258-6332

Fax: 071-258-6606

Macdonald House

Canada

1 Grosvenor Square

London W1X (AB

0213

RECEN

STRY

22 DEC 1993

December 15,1993

DEXC

REGISTRY

INDEX

Mr. Peter Ricketts

Head, Hong Kong Dept

FCO

Dear Peter,

A Action Jacken M Mum v

Received 16/12

M Frm, fed ✓ Smur 16/12

We have now had Hary Kang's Kleyman

as well. Could we discris?

Further to our telephone conversation earlier this week, this is to confirm the proposal for a meeting to exchange views on Hong Kong for the week of January 10 in Vancouver.

Polsh

16/12

We are hoping that the United States, Australia and Japan as well as our two countries will each be able to send two representatives to the meeting. We are further hoping that those representatives will include a director or Head of Department and one other official. We are, of course, very much hoping that you will be able to attend.

Initial reactions are now coming in from the other capitals and reaction is generally positive, so I trust the meetings will proceed. The meeting will be independent of any other meetings un events and will be informal. We are aware or the need to avoid any publicity for the meeting, so we intend to keep participation at the working level.

Our suggestion for the agenda would include an opening session with a tour d'horizon of current UK/PRC ncgotiations by whomever represents the UK, followed by statements of general views by each of the other participating countries. We would then plan to discuss the key practical questions facing each participant in the lead up to the transition,

The list of these practical questions for discussion would include:

A) political issues such as how best to support confidence in Hong Kong in the lead up to 1997, the role of consulates after 1997 and the international profile of Hong Kong, including Hong Kong's relationship with the Commonwealth;

B) economic issues such as Hong Kong's relationship with APEC, policy on investment and on export controls and the status of Hong Kong in respect of various agreements, including those on air services and textiles;

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C) immigration issues such as expectation of migration flows and special measures or vetting that may be put in place;

D) consular issues such as policy on dual nationals, residency and employment rights, passport and general documentation questions and police cooperation;

E) other issues, including public affairs and cultural relations.

Please advise me of your views on this proposal. I would be particularly interested in your views on the agenda. I have already suggested to Ottawa that they reconsider their decision about inviting Hong Kong Government representatives, at least as far as it concerns the political advisor, Mr. Pierce, but any other comments or suggestions would be welcome.

I look forward to discussing this matter further with you.

Yours sincerely,

Join Mackay

Iain MacVay Second Secretary (Political Affairs)

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