CONFIDENTIAL
B.
1.
EXCLUSION OF HONG KONG FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM/JAPAN
VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENT OF 2 NOVEMBER 1962
The negotiations with the Japanese authorities in 1962,
which led to the Visa Abolition Agreement in that year, were con-
ducted with the primary intention on the part of both Governments
of easing restriction on travel between Japan and the United
Kingdom. The Government did not ask that Hong Kong be excluded
from the Agreement, but the Japanese made it clear from the out-
set of the negotiations (on an informal and confidential basis)
that they were not keen to extend any agreement with the UK to
include Hong Kong. However, it was accepted by both Governments
that visa abolition arrangements for HMG's dependent territories,
including Hong Kong, could be the subject of further negotiations
at a later date if so required.
2.
The Hong Kong Government have consistently maintained
pressure to be included in the agreement or for a waiver arrange-
ment to be concluded. A series of approaches to effect either
arrangement has been made at official level to the Japanese,
whose basic objection has been that if they agreed to admit Hong
Kong Passport Holders without visas, they would lose control over
the admission of subversive Chinese elements. When the matter
was raised in 1966 the Ministry of Justice also objected on the
grounds that it has considerable trouble in ridding Japan of
the significant number of Hong Kong Chinese who enter Japan,
ostensibly as tourists with visas, and then stay to work.
Apparently, while there are provisions in Japanese law for
deportation, there are no funds to pay for it. No effective means
/exist
1
CONFIDENTIAL