TNAG-2833-FCO40-4086-Air-service-agreements-between-Hong-Kong-and-other-countries-1993 — Page 79

Shelagh Brooks

Legal Counsellor

Reference

181/3

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

REGISTRY

PA

Action Taken

AGREEMENTS BETWEEN UK AND "THE HKSAR

1.

David Edwards has written to Peter Ricketts to say that he will probably be in London in mid-February/early March to discuss Civil Aviation matters with DTP. He would like to talk during his visit on agreements between the UK and the SAR. He hopes that later this year discussions might begin between Hong Kong and relevant UK departments on the form of arrangements which could become treaties post 1997.

2.

I should be grateful if any ideas you might have on what subjects such discussions could usefully cover. Apart from attempting to sort out the pros and cons of the written non-treaty mutual legislation alternatives, we might think about some of the problem areas in such treaties. For example, how. could we define an approach as opposed to Hong Kong for the purposes of a UK/Hong Kong IPPA? Which would Cathay Pacific be? Could we sign a visa abolition agreement where we undertake not to require holders of BDTC/BNO passports to require visas. It will be a little odd post-1997 for us to have a commitment to a foreign government not to require the holders of British passports to obtain visas to come to the UK.

I

Is there anything else we might usefully discuss then? will let you know if I have any further information on when David Edwards might be in the UK, and if you hear anything on your net I should be grateful if you could let me know.

3.

CODE 18-77

RAJ But

RAJ Bunten

Hong Kong Department

WH 305

270 2655

12 February 1993