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(VI) REFERENCE TO NONA. NO OBJECTION TO REMOVAL OF PARA 5(C) OF THE BRITISH MEMORANDUM PROVIDING IT IS MADE CLEAR IN
DISCUSSIONS THAT WE AND THE CHINESE WILL CONTINUE TO DEAL THROUGH
NCNA AND ITS FIRST DIRECTOR ON ALL MATTERS EXCEPT THOSE SPECIFICALLY RELATED TO ISSUING VISAS.
3. WHEN PUTTING THESE POINTS TO THE CHINESE IT MIGHT BE EXPLAINED THAT, BECAUSE OF THE SITUATION OF HONG KONG SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE REQUIRED. IT IS MOST UNUSUAL (? UNIQUE) FOR BRITAIN TO AGREE TO THE ISSUING OF VISAS OUTSIDE A FORMALLY ACCREDITED DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR MISSION. WE HAVE BEEN PREPARED TO MAKE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO MEET A PRACTICAL NEED IN HONG KONG AND THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE TERRITORY. THE CHINESE MUST ACCEPT THAT THIS REQUIRES SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ON THEIR SIDE TOO.
IT IS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE VISA OFFICE TO HAVE ALL THE PRIVILEGES NORMAL FOR A DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR MISSION. BUT WE ARE CONVINCED THAT THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS WE ARE PREPARED TO MAKE ARE SUFFICIENT TO ALLOW THE OFFICE TO CARRY OUT ITS FUNCTIONS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY.
4. I AM CONTENT THAT PEKING SHOULD REPLY TO THE CHINESE ON THE BASIS OF THE PARAS ABOVE BEFORE THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT.
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5. SEE M.I.F.T.
MACLEHOSE
LIMITED
HK & GD
FED
P & CD
LEGAL ADVS
SIR E YOUDE
MR DONALD
[ADVANCED AS REQUESTED]
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