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2.
FURTHERMORE OUR POSITION ON THE ENDORSEMENT IS VERY
TIGHTLY CIRCUMSCRIBED BY THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND
KNOWN CHINESE SENSITIVITIES. WE SHOULD NOT THEREFORE HOLD OUT
ANY HOPES THAT THE PROPOSED ENDORSEMENT COULD BE CHANGED IN FACE
OF CANADIAN OR OTHER OBJECTIONS. WHAT WE HAVE TO CONVINCE THE
CANADIANS (AND OTHERS) OF IS THAT THE AGREEMENT REALLY DOES
ENSURE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG FOR THE PERSONS CONCERNED, AND
WE MAY NEED CHINESE HELP WITH THIS. ONCE THAT IS ACCEPTED, THE
ACTUAL WORDING IN THE PASSPORT MIGHT PROVE TO BE LESS IMPORTANT.
3.
NONETHELESS WE AGREE THAT IT WOULD BE USEFUL FOR YOU TO
TALK TO SELECTED CONSULATE GENERALS TO EXPLAIN OUR PROPOSED
POLICY ON BN(0) PASSPORTS AND THE LIKELY WORDING OF THE RIGHT OF
ABODE ENDORSEMENT. GRATEFUL IF YOU WOULD REPORT ANY REACTIONS
TO THIS BRIEFING.
HOWE
YYYY
OCMIAN 5664
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CONFIDENTIAL