m
CONFIDENTIAL
Foreign and Commonwealth Office London SW1
G
A E Donald Esq
Political Adviser
Colonial Secretariat HONG KONG
Telephone 01-
Your reference
Our reference
Date
JJKK 22/2
30 May 1974
LAPT
R.:
Dea Alan
HONG KONG VISAS FOR EAST EUROPEANS
1.
NFX
REF.
We have seen from Hong Kong telegram no. 22 to Tokyo that the Director of Immigration authorised the issue of 3 day-visit visas for a party of Poles, including the son and daughter-in-law
of Gierek.
2.
This may have been in response to Warsaw telegram no. 193 drawing attention to the family relationship; but we were a bit surprised by the apparent change in the Hong Kong Government's policy. Hitherto, as you know, we have supported you in refusing to admit Russians or East Europeans (except for Yugoslavs) for holiday visits. This is a hard rule, but a defensible one in the particular context of Hong Kong. Ambassadors have on occasion queried it, but you have maintained your position and we have backed you.
3.
1
Does this latest decision represent any change in your basic policy? If so we should discuss the pros and cons. If not we should perhaps reaffirm the principle that applicants should not normally be given special treatment merely on the grounds that they are in a position to do harm or good to British, or, as in this case, Hong Kong, interests, or that they are related to somebody important.
сс
Chancery, WARSAW
Yours ever Adrew
A C Stuart
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Dept.
CONFIDENTIAL