TNAG-2966-FCO40-4245-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Consular-representation-of-European-Coun-1993 — Page 80

09-SEP-1993

10:04

UKREP EC BRUSSELS

CO

OULU

Both sides agreed that the meeting should proceed by going & Is annexed to President Delors' through the list of proposed Ps

3.

letter to the Governor dated 2 July (Annex I].

Legal personality of the EC on the territory of Hong Kong

Capacity to conclude contracts, acquire and dispose of immovable and movable property.

4.

Mrs Ip said Hong Kong would have no problem with these Ps &

Is under the existing law.

Inviolability of office premises, inviolability of residences

archives and

documents and

5.

Mrs

there

be would

no

problem

in

providing said IP inviolability of the official archives and premises occupied as the EC Office in Hong Kong under the existing law.

Mr Brüser confirmed that the word "residents" in the third indent of Annex I should read "residences".

6.

7.

Mrs Ip explained that as consuls-general in Hong Kong at present did not enjoy inviolability of residences under the law it would

difficult be

However,

under Part

to

it extend

First I of

to

members

Schedule

the of

EC Office.

to the International

it (Cap 190),

head of the might be possible to grant such inviolability to the head

the post was designated by the Office provided the incumbent of Governor as a holder of high office under Section 2 (1) (b) (ii) of the Ordinance. As regards other members of the EC Office, it would be impossible to grant such inviolability to them.

Organisations and Diplomatic Privileges Ordinance

8.

Mr Edwards added that even if it were legally possible to it would be extend such inviolability to the head of the office, difficult to explain to some consuls-general in Hong Kong who were senior diplomats in their own right why they did not enjoy the same

if

EC the

could helpful inviolability. confirm that they would need such inviolability due to the seniority of the holder of the post.

It

would

therefore

be

19.