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. -------------- SHARED INTERESTS -------------- ¶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. -------------- TECHNOLOGY SHARING -------------- ¶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. -------------- OLYMPICS AND LOW CRIME -------------- ¶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