CONFIDENTIAL
F
take over the role of the NCNA (who are not seeking any privileges)
as the de facto political representatives of China in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Government will explain, when they give publicity to the matter, that their decision to enact special legislation relates solely to the Consular Agreement and is unconnected with the future
of Hong Kong.
7. On 17 May the Chinese presented our Embassy in Peking with a
draft note which, if accepted by us, would constitute an
Understanding granting additional privileges and immunities to the Visa Office. This note goes beyond the terms of the Vienna Co mention on Consular Relations, (which would form the basis of
Hong Kong's legislation). Peking and Hong Kong therefore prefer to proceed on the basis of an alternative draft text prepared earlier
by Peking. This text was considered by the FCO Departments concerned,
and a revised version was sent in FCO telno 435. Final amendments
taking account of later correspondence with posts are in the draft
telegram. A major consideration has been to ensure that the status
accorded to the Visa Office is not more generous than that which the Chinese have shown themselves willing to grant to our Consulate- General in Shanghai.
8.
In view of the linkage with the Consular Agreement, the Ambassador wishes to push this along and has asked for very early
instructions.
29 July 1983
Bir
RD Clift
CONFIDENTIAL
Hong Kong Department