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CONFIDENTIAL
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Unofficial Representation
10. The local office of the New China News Agency (NCNA) has acted
as the unofficial channel of communication between Hong Kong and
Chinese Governments since 1949, but with increasing open-ness and
effectiveness since 1972, following the exchange of Ambassadors
between London and Peking.
Regular contact between the Governor
and the First Director of NCNA dates from 1978. The Political
Adviser and his staff are now in regular contact with NCNA on
all issues, and in all but name and formal privileges NCNA acts
and is treated by the Hong Kong Government as China's official
representative.
11. Oral agreement was reached in August 1979 that China would
set up a Visa Office of the MFA in Hong Kong. This was on the
understanding that it would confine its activities to the issue
of visas, that it was not to be construed as a representative
office of the Chinese Government, and that its establishment
would not affect the functions of the NCNA office. The opening
of the Visa Office has been delayed on account of our unwillingness
to meet Chinese demands for formal diplomatic privileges.
CONFIDENTIAL