CONFIDENTIAL
ddition to Brief no 8.
Essential
acts for meeting with Executive Council)
CHINESE VISA ISSUING OFFICE IN HONG KONG
For many years the Chinese have only issued visas
for those visiting China from an office on their side
of the border. This is a time-consuming arrangement
which has been criticised by visitors to China,
particularly businessmen.
Recently, the Chinese asked
permission to open a visa issuing office in Hong Kong.
This has been agreed in line with the policy of providing
facilities short of official representation
de
for the
Chinese to operate efficiently in Hong Kong. The new
office has not yet opened; nor has the arrangement been
made public. Exco agreed to the new arrangement
although some Unofficials expressed concern that it might
open the door to official representation.
CONFIDENTIAL