CODE 18-77
[VB1AKQ]
CONFIDENTIAL
Reference.
HKK
040/28
Mr Marcelin, NTD
BN(O) PASSPORTS
1.
We spoke about your draft. I have the following suggestions:
Draft minute
2.
•
Paragraph 7: after .. Act 1980", add "as are Entry Certificates and visas now";
3.
Paragraph 8: delete last sentence and insert "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 Hong Kong Government while the
Immigration Department in Hong Kong issue entry certificates and deal with repatriation and financial assistance cases Hong Kong on behalf of HMG. The income which we derive and retain more than covers the cost of FCO resources deployed on this work. On the other hand the Hong Kong Government performs similar work on our behalf in Hong Kong, without charge. financial balance of advantage is with us and any proposal along the lines suggested by thte Treasury might prompt Hong Kong to review this arrangement to our disadvantage. shall have to consult the Treasury and Hong Kong again."
4.
11
•
The
We
Paragraph 10: delete paragraph 10 and paragraph 11 to cleared by then". New paragraph 10 to read "In view of the problems about fees we propose to submit now to Ministers on the other BN(O) passport related issues and submit later on / the financial aspects. I accordingly submit a draft reply from
you to Mr Hyde which goes as far as we can at present. draft together with this minute, has been cleared with ECD(I), HKD and Finance Department. Separate submissions will follow on the "common format look-alike" and the arrangements for Hong Kong.
11
Draft letter
5.
The
Paragraph 3: amend last sentence to read "Although the financial aspects cannot be finalised yet we shall be submitting to Ministers soon on the other issues.
6.
amend last Paragraph 4:
sentence to read: "We shall pursuing these matters further with the Treasury and Hang as well as with your department".
M T Hill
30 September 1985
Hong Kong Depart WH305 233 3722
CONFIDENTIAL
166,
17.