CONFIDENTIAL
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4.
In the case of Mexico an interim solution would seem to be to extend the 1959 Agreement to include all BDTC in the manner of the 1963 extension to British Honduras. To judge from para 5 of your telegram No 7 to Hamilton this would probably be acceptable to the Mexicans at least as regards Bermudans. You will need to explain to them that they cannot make agreements direct with the DT since the UK is responsible for their external relations. You should also point out:
a)
b)
that BDTC generally have a right of abode in their DT of origin and the Mexicans need not fear that if they admit them they will not be able to return them somewhere if necessary, and
the DT (except for special cases like the Falkland Islands and Ascencion ) do not impose a visa requirement on Mexicans.
5. If the Mexicans ask about the status of the 1959 VAA you should say that we would regard it as covering British passport holders other than BDTC (i.e. British citizens (BC), British Overseas Citizens (BOC), and British Subjects under Section IV, BNA 1981). This is an awkward subject which we would prefer to avoid discussing in detail since it would highlight the situation of BOCS. We would not wish their status to complicate the matter of visa free entry to BDTC or for them to become subject to a visa requirement. However, if the Mexicans insist on raising the issue you may say that the FCO notified all diplomatic missions in London (including the Mexican Embassy by a circular dated 11 October 1982 - copy attached) that it was our intention to interpret the mention of nationality nomenclature on existing international arrangements or agreements in the light of the provisions of the BNA 1981. There is no record of the Mexicans having found this unacceptable hence our interpretation of the 1959 Agreement. Of course there may be some BOCS or British Subjects (or people who become such on 1 January 1983) bearing DT passports and thus subject to a Mexican visa requirement but their number is likely not to be significant and although they may not possess Right of Abode in the UK or a DT they are likely to be admissible somewhere and should not present an immigration problem to the Mexicans.
6.
If the Mexican Embassy in London study Hansard and report to the Secretariat for Foreign Affairs they will be aware that in 1987 an additional national status will come into existence in relation to Hong Kong. This is to be known as British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) and will run in tandem with Hong Kong BDTC and replace the latter in 1997 when Hong Kong ceases to be a Dependent Territory. Please do not initiate discussion about BN(0) but if asked reply along the lines of the above adding that Parliamentary approval has
When it has not yet been obtained for the creation of this status. been all foreign and Commonwealth Governments will be informed.
17.
CONFIDENTIAL