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those of Hong Kong). In July 1970 our Embassy in Bonn put to
the Germans the suggestion that visas should be granted on sight
at the German frontier to citizens of the United Kingdom and
colonies from Gibraltar who could produce a certificate of
returnability to that territory. The Gilbraltar Government also
accepted full financial liability for any repatriation costs.
4. Had the German authorities accepted the entry of Gibraltarians
without visas a similar appraoch would have been made on behalf of
Hong Kong. The Germans, however, were absolutely rigid in refusing
to default from the visa requirement and it was concluded that no
useful purpose would be served by making an approach to the Germans
on Hong Kong's behalf. The conclusion was agreed by Mr Royle and
communicated to the Governor in May 1971.
5.
The matter was raised again with Mr Royle on 10 January
during a call on him by Sir Sidney Gordon and Sir Y K Kan from
Hong Kong. The visitors emphasised that the Hong Kong Government
was prepared to give an undertaking to meet the cost of repatriation
to that territory of any Hong Kong passport holder deported or
expelled from West Germany, without seeking the reciprocal liabil-
ity from the authorities of that country. It is doubtful whether
even the offer of a non-reciprocal agreement will move the Germans
from their inflexible attitude and the problems involved are
recognised to be considerable but a promise was given that a further
approach would be made to the Federal Government with a view to
securing a relaxation of their visa requirements on visitors from
Hong Kong. It was judged that the approach should be deferred for
a month or two when it could be made in the light of our new rela-
tionship with the countries of the European Community following
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