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JAPAN
Since 1962 there have been continuous efforts to conc
an agreement for the reciprocal waiver of visas for
Japanese visiting Hong Kong and British subjects from
Hong Kong 'visiting Japan. These have met with lit le
success because of the opposition from the Japanese
police, Immigration Bureau and Ministry of Justice on
security grounds to any relaxation of control over the
entry of persons of Chinese race. Since 1967, however,
Japnese nationals, like those of most other friendly
countries, have been allowed to visit Hong Kong for up
to seven days without a visa. Our embassy is in
frequent touch with the Japanese authorities on the
subject, but the prospects for success do not look good.
The embassy told us of a possible change in Japanese
immigration legislation, under the last Japanese
administration, which might make it easier for Br tigh
subjects from Hong Kong to be admitted to Japan without
visas for short visits. There is however no presont
sign of such a bill being presented. But the Japanese.
as a result of our representations, are now issuing
more continuous visas under the terms of the 1957
Exchange of Notes on the subject of continuous Vienu,
to British subjects from Hong Kong seeking to visit Japan regularly.