CONFIDENTIAL ## 機密
-For discussion
16th June 1981
нки HKR 349/1
RECEIVED 995;
JJ
XCC(81)70- Copy No
32
разноль.
MEMORANDUM FOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
SYNO. ST
29 JUN CHINESE VISA OFFICE IN HONG KONG
DESK OFFICER
NDEX
Introduction
PA
→
REGISTRY Action Taken
Pap 27/6
The Council decided on 7th August 1979 to agree to China
setting up a Hong Kong Visa Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the People's Republic of China, to facilitate travel between Hong Kong and China.
2
Staff for the Office arrived in mid-1980. However the Office did not open after it became apparent that China wished it to enjoy privileges that were not possible under existing legislation. Subsequently the Chinese MFA was told that Hong Kong was willing to do everything possible administratively to facilitate the work of the Office; but that formal privileges would not be possible without legislation in Hong Kong.
3
The Political Adviser reported to Members on 14th April that the subject had been raised during the Secretary of State's visit to Peking. The Chinese Foreign Minister had emphasised the importance of privileges. He had also confirmed that the Office would have very limited functions and would not be a representative office of the Chinese Government. The Political Adviser said that Government was re-examining the problems of legislation; and that Members would be further consulted.
Proposal
4
There has since been a new development. On 5th June the MFA reverted to the subject with HM Ambassador Peking in terms which he believes showed some possibility of China in fact being willing to settle for such privileges as could be granted within existing legislation. He suggested that he should, therefore, meet a request from the MFA for a draft memorandum explaining what these would be. A draft text which would do this is annexed.
Advice Sought
5
Members are asked to decide whether the Foreign and Commonwealth Office be told that they agree with the action suggested by HM Ambassador Peking. Members will be further consulted should it prove necessary to look again at the question of legislation,
(The Political Adviser (Acting) (Mr I. C. ORR) will attend before the Council for the discussion of this item).
G.S. 166
12th June 1981
(SCR 1/2071/79)
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