RESTRICTED
045415
MDHOAN 9946
RESTRICTED
FM FCO
TO IMMEDIATE NEW DELHI
TELNO 244
OF 091607Z MARCH 93
181/13.
RECEIVED IN.
10 MAR 1993
INFO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG
ла
DESK OFFICER
ROCK
INDEX
PA
Action Tut
DOT FOR IAD
REF TELECON THOM/OTHICK: HONG KONG/INDIA AIR SERVICES
1. We understand that the Indian authorities have questioned Hong Kong's ability to negotiate on their own behalf changes to the current Hong Kong/India air services arrangements. These arrangements continue to fall under the UK/India Air Services Agreement (ASA). Although a separate Hong Kong/India ASA has been initialled, it is still with the Chinese.
It is therefore not yet in force, even administratively, and Hong Kong airlines are still operating under the umbrella of the UK/India arrangements.
2.
Notwithstanding the above we can confirm that the Hong Kong Government (HKG) has authority to negotiate air services with the Indian Government and to sign any documentation concerning Hong Kong/India Air Services which implements the UK/India ASA, on an ad referendum basis.
3.
We would be grateful if you could confirm to the Ministry of External Affairs that HKG is duly authorised by the UK Government to discuss Air Services Arrangements between India and Hong Kong. In previous instances this has been done by a short letter of confirmation from the High Commission/Embassy concerned, rather than from DOT. We suggest you might follow suit using the following wording:
Quote. Although Hong Kong/India routes currently fall under the UK/India Air Services Agreement pending the entry into force of the Air Services Agreement between India and Hong Kong initialled on 15 December 1989, we confirm that Her Majesty's Government has authorised the Hong Kong Government to negotiate on their own behalf with the Indian Government and to sign any documentation concerning Hong Kong/India Air Services which implements the United Kingdom/India Air Services Agreement on an ad referendum
1
PAGE
RESTRICTED
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.