CONFIDENTIAL
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4. The Chinese have requested two additional privileges to which
we have been unable to agree because Hong Kong law specifically
excludes exceptions without fresh legislation. These are exemption
from duty and exemption from search of private baggage of China-
based staff.
5.
We do not believe that the absence of these latter privileges
would affect the efficiency of the Visa Office any more than they
have that of the New China News Agency in Hong Kong. Any further
concessions would require special legislation in Hong Kong. This
might give the impression that the status of the Office was greater
than that agreed with Peking and could be taken by some in the
Territory as a move to grant China a special role there. The position
has been explained to the Chinese Embassy in London.
CONFIDENTIAL