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persons other than genuine visitors. We impose no entry clearance requirement on British nationals who do not possess Right of Abode who are merely visiting the UK.
(d) For practical purposes BDTCs have Right of Abode in their home territory. The Norwegians need not fear that in admitting such visa free they would be unable to remove them should the need arise. Indeed most BOCS and British Subjects are returnable somewhere. However, this ia a controversial point and is best avoided if possible.
5. HONG KONG
John Boyd's letter under reference and enclosures contain powerful arguments which should be fully deployed. What we would hope is that since HKBDTCs represent the overwhelming majority of BPHWRA their acceptance by the Norwegians would make the way easier to accept the remainder. If they are sticky about BOCs we would consider either renewing the 1968 undertaking which automatically lapsed when they imposed a visa requirement on BOCS or, very much as a last resort, decoupling BOCs.
6. You may tell the Norwegians that we have made a similar approach to the Danes, who responded sympathetically and that we are likewise approaching the Swedes. Of course, we accept that the question will most likely have to be considered in the forum of the Nordic Council.
7. The Norwegians may ask you about the status of British Nationals (Overseas) which category, it is intended, will run in tandem with Hong Kong BDTC from 1987 to 1997 and replace the latter when Hong Kong ceases to be a Dependent Territory. If asked (but you should not initiate discussion) you may say that for the purposes of the VAA the status will be identical with BDTC and that the Norwegians will be given full details in due course as they were about the BNA, 1981.
8. We must, of course, defer to your judgement but we would have thought that the best way to proceeed would be to call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to speak on the lines of paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 and then hand over a copy of your speaking note. Chancery will no doubt have views on the question of your approach.
Your
Bebijou.
B B Low
Migration and Visa Department
Cc:
HKD WIAD WED
Political Adviser, Hong Kong
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