effectively register applicants in that status. Hong Kong would
maintain the comprehensive register of BN (0)s.
4. However, there is a complication. Hong Kong are insistent that
all passports should be endorsed to show right of abode in Hong
Kong. This is important for the international acceptance of the
passport since the holders could face trouble at ports without the
indication of returnability to Hong Kong. The endorsement can be
made only if the applicant is in possession of an identity card
issued in Hong Kong and while the act of registration in BN (0)
status can be achieved without endorsing the passport we would not
normally release the passport until the applicant, or we on his
behalf, had obtained the identity card from Hong Kong. If there is
an urgent need to travel we could issue in the meantime a restricted
validity passport showing BDTC status.
5. The nature of the right of abode endorsement is subject to
further discussion with the Chinese to achieve some neutral form of
words which does not suggest that the former colonial power is conferring this right in passports which will be valid after 30 June 1997. It will involve also amendment to Hong Kong Immigration
Ordinances and the issue of new identity documents, again in a style
which will be acceptable to the Chinese beyond 1997.
1
Passport Format
6. The format of the British passport is to be changed as a consequence of the decision to give a common format to the national