(Translation)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United Kingdom in China and has the
honour to state as follows:
од
The Visa Office in Hongkong is an office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. The British authorities in Hongkong shall have the responsibility to take measures to protect the premises of the office from any encroachment or damage and guarantee the personal safety of its officials and their
dependents. The Chinese side holds that in case of a
criminal or civil complaint against officials of the Visa Office and their dependents, the British authorities in Hongkong should settle the issue properly with the Chinese side through diplomatic channels. The premises of the said office and the residence of its Director purchased by the Visa Office are properties belonging to the People's Republic of China and shall, therefore, be exempt from taxes. Likewise, articles for official use imported into or taken out of Hongkong or bought locally in Hongkong by the said office shall be exempt from duties and taxes. After the Visa Office starts functioning, the Chinese
side will continue the talks with the British side on the above-mentioned matters so as to seek their proper settlement.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the British Embassy the
assurances of its highest consideration.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
the People's Republic of China
Beijing,
1981
Embassy of the United Kingdom in China,
BEIJING