TNAG-2882-FCO40-4154-Extension-of-the-Hague-Conventions-on-Trusts-and-Child-Abduc-1993 — Page 2

ONFIDENTIAL

FM HONG KONG

TO ROUTINE FCO

TELNO 1750

OF 180304Z NOVEMBER 1993

CONFIDENTIAL

HKC 370/11

1993

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064753 MDLIAN 0800

pa. 370/11

MOISTRY

tion Taken

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INFO ROUTINE PEKING, UKREP JLG HONG KONG CANBERRA, KUALA LUMPUR

Your telno 926: Extension of the Hague Convention on Child Abduction to Hong Kong

We have recently completed a preliminary study on the subject and on the basis of the findings, we see a need for and advantages to Hong Kong to have the Convention extended to the territory. will be necessary to enact Local legislation to meet the obligations under the Convention. This will take time.

2.

It

We think an approach to the Chinese by the Australians at this stage, before Hong Kong Government has come to a decision and formally requested the UK to extend the Convention to Hong Kong and before we have handed over a consultation paper to the Chinese side, is both premature and inappropriate. If and when we decided to seek extension, we do not think the Chinese are likely to object. We therefore consider it not necessary for the Australians to get involved as it might prove to be counter-productive.

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