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for Hong Kong citizens because the U.K. required entry certificates.
And the Germans were reluctant to allow Hong Kong citizens in for
fear that they would not be accepted in Britain if it came to
repatriation. It was easier to get a U.S. visa than a U.K. entry
certificate. Could not the granting of these certificates be
simplified and the need to produce evidence of travellers'bona fides
waived! Mr. Kan said that it was not strictly necessary to obtain
a U.K. entry certificate, but if you did not have one, you might be
ed
In the
subject/to some inconvenience. Mr. Gordon said that the real difficulties
arose in the case of Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany.
course of general discussion it was agreed that the Germans had altered
their practice following the Commonwealth Immigration Act and that as
late as 1969 several European countries, for example Austria, had been
willing to admit holders of Hong Kong passports without visas.
13. Sir C. Y. Kwan asked whether representations could be made on
behalf of Hong Kong to Japan and the Federal Republic. Mr. Lee made the
point that entry certificates were restricted to one journey within
valid six months of issue, whereas one could obtain multiple visas for a number
Jeremeys and several of years for entry into the U.S. Could not entry certificates be given
a longer validity?
14. Mr. Stewart said that he would see what could be done. We could
not compel foreign countries to admit foreign citizens without visas.
Constitution/matters
15.
Sir Albert Rodrigues said that there was no room for
constitutional change and no demand for it except from a few
unrepresentative sections of the public. All the members of the Council
were agreed on this.
16. Mr. Stewart raised the question of an ombudsman. He understood
that the unofficial members had an office for handling public
Sthat
/grievances