CONSUL GENERAL DONOVAN'S INTRODUCTORY CALL ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 HONG KONG 001832

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP/CM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/30/2033
TAGS: PGOV PREL MASS HK
SUBJECT: CONSUL GENERAL DONOVAN'S INTRODUCTORY CALL ON
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AMBROSE LEE

REF: 06 HONG KONG 4332

Classified By: CONSUL GENERAL JOE DONOVAN. Reasons: 1.4 (B,D)


1. (C) Summary: During an introductory call on Secretary of
Security Ambrose Lee September 30, Consul General Joe Donovan
stressed the importance the USG attaches to its deep and
broad cooperation with Hong Kong across a wide range of law
enforcement, legal and security matters. Secretary Lee
concurred, noting strong U.S. and HK cooperation existed long
before 1997 and has successfully continued since the handover
under the "one country, two systems" framework. The CG
highlighted a recent narcotics interdiction and successful
extraditions as examples of mutually-beneficial cooperation.
Secretary Lee raised the Hong Kong government's desire to
obtain newer U.S. Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) technology
to replace the aging U.S. models currently on helicopters
used in search and rescue operations. The CG expressed
concern about Beijing's decision to deny two recent
extradition requests. End Summary.

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SHARED INTERESTS
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2. (C) During an introductory call September 30, CG Donovan
stressed to Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee the importance
the USG attaches to its deep and wide-ranging cooperation
with Hong Kong on law enforcement, security and legal issues,
and said he looked forward to continuing the partnership.
Secretary Lee echoed the CG's sentiments, noting that Hong
Kong had an amicable relationship with the U.S. Consulate
General long before the 1997 handover; he was glad to see
that has continued under the "one country,two systems"
framework. Lee emphasized that Hong Kong can make its own
policies as long as they did not touch on foreign affairs or
national security. After highlighting separate visa policies
and passports as examples of the "two systems" in practice,
Lee felt the "one country,two systems" framework has been
well-received by the international community. He hoped Hong
Kong's experience can serve as a successful model for others
to follow, perhaps even be used to solve some "historical
problems." (Comment. Presumed to be a reference to Taiwan.
End Comment.) Lee thanked the USG for its continued support
to Hong Kong's law enforcement community and for promoting
trade and investment with Hong Kong. Lee hoped the bilateral
relationship will not only be maintained but enhanced.


3. (C) The CG agreed continued cooperation benefits both the
U.S. and Hong Kong. To underscore his point, he noted the
timely manner in which Hong Kong authorities recently
responded to a U.S. request to board the vessel TAM FUK YUK,
which was believed to be Hong Kong-registered. Hong Kong
authorities' timely clarification that the vessel was not
registered in Hong Kong paved the way for the United States
to declare the vessel to be stateless. U.S. Coast Guard
officers boarded the vessel and eventually discovered 3.5
tons of cocaine hidden in a fuel tank. Subsequent
investigations suggest the drugs were headed for Hong Kong.


4. (C) Despite the generally good cooperation, the United
States remains concerned about Beijing's decision to deny two
recent extradition requests, the CG told Lee. The CG said we
hoped Lee can help the USG better understand Beijing's
thinking on those decisions. Lee nodded but did not respond.

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TECHNOLOGY SHARING
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5. (C) Although Lee himself seemed less well-versed on the
subject, Security Bureau staff had clearly briefed him to
raise the "old issue" of upgrading the Government Flying
Service's (GFS) Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) capabilities.
Occasionally referring to documents provided by his
assistant, Lee explained that the U.S.-made FLIR technology
used by GFS, the primary search and rescue unit in the
region, is at the end of its shelf-life and needs to be
replaced (reftel). Not upgrading this technology, Lee
stressed, will significantly impact rescue and other
emergency operations. Lee said he raised this issue with
PACOM Commander Admiral Keating in January, but claimed Hong
Kong has not received an official USG reply. (Note: GFS
received the official USG denial in May and subsequently
informed Hong Kong's central government. The funds allocated
for FLIR have been returned to the Hong Kong government. End
Note.) Lee warned Hong Kong may turn elsewhere for the
necessary equipment if it cannot obtain it from the United

HONG KONG 00001832 002 OF 002


States. Lee stressed Hong Kong was not looking for the most
advanced FLIR technology, just something workable. Hong Kong
guarantees it can protect the technology and not allow it to
be transferred to other countries or organizations, Lee
asserted.

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OLYMPICS AND LOW CRIME
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6. (C) The CG congratulated Secretary Lee and the Hong Kong
government on hosting successful and secure Olympic and
Paralympic equestrian events. Lee agreed Hong Kong was
extremely safe, perhaps second only to Singapore in low crime
rates. Lee proudly noted Hong Kong this year has seen a 2.7%
decrease in violent crimes.
DONOVAN