TNAG-2965-FCO40-4244-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Consular-representation-of-European-Coun-1993 — Page 27

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arrangements, it does not say that these must be resolved before The terms of the letter the EC delegation can be established. are (just) consistent with a willingness by the Commission to turn a blind eye to Cap 190 as the Hong Kong legal base (provided it is not asked to assent to it) and to leave the post-1997 issue I would like to talk this over with aside for the time being.

den Broek Cees Wittebrood, the responsible member of the van Cabinet, after his return from Tokyo at the end of this week.

the

5.

However, the two sides must still reach agreement on

A quick comparison specific list of privileges and immunities. between Hong Kong's latest offer (enclosed with the Governor's letter of 29 April) and the list enclosed with Delors' letter suggests that the most important point of divergence remains the question of personal inviolability of staff and family members is willing to offer (it is satisfactory that Hong Kong

to

deal not

be

(rather easy

to

inviolability of the 'consular pouch' by administrative means). The next step is clearly for the two sides to try to close the gap, preferably across a table between negotiators with the than by make a necessary

it will So,

get the correspondence). Commission to reduce their demands enough to make agreement possible. It may still be necessary for UK officials to get more directly involved than they have so far.

authority

Even

I

6.

You will wish to discuss all this with Peter Ricketts. would be glad to contribute to a submission if you decide that this is the appropriate next step.

Jam facerely, Hephen.

SJ LWright

copied by fax to:

PF Ricketts Esq, HKD, FCO

S Bradley Esq, Political Advisers, Hong Kong

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