CONFIDENTIAL
with the Nationality Bill. I am not clear about the present position on Spain (I have seen no correspondence since Ron Bridges' letter of 18 April 1980 to Archie Shepherd) and Japan. Perhaps we should ask Hong Kong for details. But any current difficulties with these countries cannot be connected with the Nationality Bill.
In the light of the above I suggest you delete paragraphs 2 and 3 of the existing draft letter to Mr Wilson and substitute the following:-
3.
12.
I hope that this is not the case. As has been said before, should there be any suggestion of imposing new visa requirements as a result of the Bill we will take the matter up with the Government concerned immediately. But any approach now would seem premature and might be counter productive. There are already many countries who allow Hong Kong British-passport holders to visit them without visas. We obviously do not wish to disturb these arrangements and to ask the countries concerned now whether they propose any change as a result of the Nationality Bill seems entirely wrong. It might unnecessarily cause them to review their practice. Surely the best plan is simply to assume that the existing satisfactory arrangements will continue but, at the same time, to be prepared to react appropriately should there be any suggestion to the contrary."
C
10 February 1981
CONFIDENTIAL
D B Merry
Migration & Visa Dept
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