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be worthwhile to re-open negotiations with a view to obtaining
reciprocal facilities for Hong Kong passport holders; they are,
we know, willing that the Germans should be given an undertaking
that any repatriation costs of Hong Kong belongers would be met
by the Hong Kong Government; but it appears unlikely, having
regard to the policy of the Federal German authorities as
described above, that this approach will meet with any greater
success than previous similar approaches.
7.
There is no formal agreement for the mutual abolition
of visas between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic
of Germany and the visa concessions for British passports
holders from the United Kingdom are extended on an informal
and reciprocal basis,
8. In response to a request from Hong Kong in April this
year, an undertaking was given that the possibility would be
examined here of an approach by H.M.G. asking the German
authorities to agree to reciprocal visa waiver facilities
for holders of Hong Kong passports visiting the Federal German
Republic.
9. This examination has been carried out but in the light
of the known German attitude in this matter, it is considered
that such an approach would serve no useful purpose at the
present time.
10. However, in connexion with a similar request from
Gibraltar, our Embassy in Bonn have been asked to inquire
from the German authorities whether a "certificate of
returnability" issued by the Gibraltar Government, in addition
to a guarantee (already given to the Germans,but without success)
to refund any costs of repatriation to Gibraltar would:-
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/(a).....