C
Mr Barrington
1.
A
Ник
RECEIVED IN
040/28
-30
FROM: DATE:
D W PARTRIDGE, NTD 30 SEPTEMBER 1985
Copies to:
ECD(I)
Finance Department Hong Kong Dept MVD
Consular Dept
160
PASSPORT FORMAT AND PASSPORTS FOR BN(0)S
150
Mr Hyde's letter to you of 24 September covers two main issues:
(i) the format of passports to be issued to persons who are
not 'UK nationals for European Community purposes' when the Common Format Passport (CFP) replaces the present hard- back blue document; and
(ii)
the arrangements to be made for the issue of passports in Hong Kong between 1987 and 1997 to those British Dependent Territories citizens (BDTCs) connected with the territory who choose to apply for the status of British National (Overseas) (BNO). The two issues are related, since BN(0)s will be among the categories of those who are not 'UK nationals for EC purposes'.
In our
2. The format of the CFP itself must follow the guidelines agreed by Community Member governments. Those governments have also agreed that Member States may issue a similar type of passport to those of their nationals who are not eligible for CFPs. case, these will be BDTCs (except those connected with Gibraltar), BOCS, British subjects without the right of abode and BPPs as well as BN (0)s; also British citizens solely by connection with the Channel Islands and Isle of Man: As the Home Secretary now has responsibility for passport policy matters, the decision on the format of such a 'common format look-alike' passport rests of course with him, although Governors of dependent territories have theoretical autonomy. There have been consultations between the HO and the interested FCO departments. I confirm that the second paragraph of Mr Hyde's letter accurately reflects the outcome of these deliberations.
3.
ECD(I) agree.
Although the lead responsibility for the decision on format lies with HO Ministers, FCO Ministers will wish to be aware of the HO proposals and concur.
/PASSPORTS