CODE 18-77
As walker
For you. I thanks.
Juri
119
GVV FRAN/349/1
Reference...
FROM: R J MILLER, MVD/
DATE: 30 JULY 1985
RA 0460/28
Mrs Priest
Priest,
HKD
ENTRY INTO FRANCE BY HONG KONG BDTCS
1.
I attach copies of an exchange of correspondence with the Deputy Director, Hong Kong Immigration Department.
2. With reference to the second paragraph of the latter's letter of 16 July I have asked the Thomas Cook FCO implant what their inhouse guide to visa requirements has to say about the entry of Hong Kong BDTCs into France. The reply was that it makes no distinction between any class of British passport holder all of whom are allowed visa free entry into France for periods not exceeding three months.
3. It seems odd that Mr Chow Kwok-Chuen was misinformed by Thomas Cook and a visa issued in error by the French Embassy. However, stranger things than this have happened at British Missions and I am reluctant to make an approach to the French Embassy in the terms suggested (or, indeed, any other) about an isolated event which occured almost a year ago (the visa was issued on 8 October 1984).
3. We realise the need to be sensitive to the feelings of Hong Kong BDTCS. However, we would not wish to be pressured into making complaints to all and sundry every time a Hong Kong BDTC feels slighted by a foreign visa clerk or immigration official. In the long (or even medium) run exaggerated complaints will do Hong Kong's cause more harm than good. It could well lead to foreign governments changing their minds about visa free entry for Hong Kong BDTCS.
4. Subject to your concurrence, I propose to advise Mr Kuo that the passage of time since the visa was issued makes it impossible for us to complain. However, we have no reason to believe that this was other than an isolated error and that generally the French authorities are admitting Hong Kong BDTCs without visas.
HKK
NEL.
DESC
INDEX
0xc/28
1 5 AUG 1985
1.
Taken
み
тиш
R Miller
Migration & Visa Department