not have 'British Passport' on the cover (cf paragraph 14 of EXCO memorandum) since I think there might then be some domestic reaction to its absence from the common EC format, as required by the EC Resolution;
c) the need for an endorsement as to immigration status. This has been linked, so far, to the question of format and we have noted Hong Kong's reaction to the proposal that BN (0) passports should have a status endorsement. I doubt if Ministers will be advised to pursue this;
I would wish to be clearer on
d) our views on how the scheme will work. some of the practical consequences of issuing passports to BN (0)s under the Foreign Secretary's exercise of discretion. Are there financial consequences which we should recognise now?
Assistance from UK passport offices and consular posts overseas. Would it make sense in view of the identity card complications, simply to act as Post Offices forwarding applications to Hong Kong to process, and charging the individual a handling fee (fee 20 at £4.50 would appear appropriate). As Hong Kong have already suggested, where there was a travel need, we might exceptionally extend existing passports.
Hong Kong presumably has a prison population and Hong Kong BDTCs may be found in prisons in the UK and elsewhere. Does this suggest some special effort by all of us to locate such people?
The process of ensuring acceptability of BN(0) passports in third countries and negotiating visa abolition agreements. I am not as clear as I would wish to be on what is involved.
We shall probably wish to meet soon with colleagues to discuss these questions and others arising from the draft Order in Council. I seem to remember that Mr Carter, Director of Immigration was due to be in the UK around now.
Do you know if this is so and if it is, is there merit in our speaking with him on some practical issues?
сс
Miss Veale FCO (NTD)
Mr Fifoot)
Mr Granger) FCO, Legal Advisers
Mr Emery B4
Mr Hyde (with NTD note)
Mr Pakenham-Walsh (with NTD note) Mr McDonough B2 (with NTD note)
2
Yours sincerely
J F NICHOLSON