TNAG-2965-FCO40-4244-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Consular-representation-of-European-Coun-1993 — Page 77

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file 48

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Miss Brooks

Legal Advisers

EC DELEGATION OFFICE IN HONG KONG

1.

I would like to bring you up to date on this and to ask you for clarification on the legal background on any grant of privileges going beyond Cap 190.

2. You will recall the exchange of telegrams between UKRep Brussels, Hong Kong and ourselves on this subject earlier this year (resting with Hong Kong tel no 319). It went off the boil somewhat following Mr Wright's letter of 15 March to Dr Jones-Parry (copy enclosed). At ECD (E)'s request Mr Woodrow compiled a chart reflecting as best we could the privileges and immunities the Commission is seeking (they have yet to hand over a definitive list), those available to International Organisations under Cap 190 and those available to Consular representation in Hong Kong. (This was cleared with Hong Kong's chief of Protocol).

3. Mr Patten is visting Brussels (1 and 2 April). It is our understanding that the question of conditions for the EC office in Hong Kong will be raised in the margins, probably over a meal with Mr Brittain hosted by Sir John Kerr. (Hong Kong have given us no indication of how the Governor has been briefed.) It may be that this meeting will give the EC some reassurance and a push in a direction more acceptable to the Hong Kong Government. ECD (E) have briefed UKRep along the lines of the enclosed draft. Paragraph 4 begs the question of whether we could, legally speaking, lean on Hong Kong to introduce legislation. This is very far from our thinking, but I would be grateful to have the position on record, if you can advise.

I haves

Jones.

Deborah Barnes Jones

Hong Kong Department

WH 312

270 2068

1 April, 1993

HID 406/5

RI

06 APF 1993

ecdel.sb.obj

CODE 18-77

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