ex
to
a receipts (CFERS) and not be retained by the Hong Kong
Government. Such an attitude by the Treasury would open
up a Pandora's Box. The present position is that UK missions
overseas undertake consular work on behalf of the Government
whilst the Immigration Department in Hong Kong issue British
citizens and deal with repatriation and financial assistance
cases in Hong Kong on behalf of HMG. The income which we
derive and retain more than covers the cost of FCO resources
On the other hand the Hong Kong deployed on this work,
Government performs similar work on our behalf in Hong Kong
without charge. The financial balance of advantage is with
}
us and any proposal along the lines suggested by the Treasury might
prompt Hong Kong to review this arrangement to our disadvantage.
We shall have to consult Hong Kong and the Treasury again.
1