CODE 18-77
SECRET
My Howles
Mr Howles (NTD CL536)
HONG KONG PASSPORTS
82
Reference FEH 040/1
183
1.
Your minute of 25 October. We should like to suggest the addition to the draft letter of the following self-explanatory paragraph:
х
There is one general but rather different consideration in all this which we in the FCO will have to put to No. 10 with the points listed above. Adding the words British National to passports issued to residents of Hong Kong alone amongst dependent territories may go down badly with the Chinese government as we enter negotiations with them on the future of the territory. They will, unfortunately but almost certainly, link this to the talks and see it as some kind of tactical monoeuvre on our part. This, if true, will of course do nothing for the atmosphere of the negotiations. The Prime Minister may therefore choose not to pursue the matter for this reason alone.
2.
HKGD concur.
(Not with the last sentirce but with X. I
have bold My Howells)
mas
26 October 1982
cc: Mr Clift, HKGD WH307
PA B Thomson
Far Eastern Department K258
:
233.5963
HIK, 340||
27/10
Mr. M. Quadt
Mr Hour 7/10
11 1A6231/10
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SECRET