TNAG-2965-FCO40-4244-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Consular-representation-of-European-Coun-1993 — Page 64

SPEAKING NOTE

HONG KONG : COMMISSION OFFICE

1.

2.

Need to find quickly a political compromise which enables us to open this office.

This requires a further effort on both sides. Without flexibility we risk never establishing this office. That would be in the interests of neither Hong Kong nor the EC.

•

3.

4.

In order to make progress, we would be willing to adopt a solution involving agreement that we:

(a) Submit a revised request list of privileges and

immunities, and

(b) Accept a transitional arrangement.

Provided that you:

(c) Agree to the transitional arrangement establishing an ad hoc status for the Commission Office ! In Hong Kong, which we recognize would be composed of (1) privileges granted under current Hong Kong law and (11) administrative arrangements guaranteed by an accompanying exchange of letters.

(d) Agree that the Hong Kong law concerned must be the

Consular Ordinance.

(e) Undertake to take whatever measures are necessary to put the status of the office on a more stable basis in good time before 1997.

If this were accepted, we could put officials together to finalise details quickly.