[JALAMZ ]
CONFIDENTIAL
MR EGGAR'S MEETING WITH DR MEYER-LANDRUT: 8 NOVEMBER 1985
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Abolition of FRG Visa Requirements for Hong Kong British Dependent Territories Citizens (HKBD TCs)
Points to make
1.
HMG keen
keen to remove as far as possible travel restrictions. imposed on holders of Hong Kong BDTC passports. Hong Kong people! greatly value their freedom to travel both up to and beyond 1997.
2.
FRG only EC member that still requires visas for visitors
from Hong Kong. A liberal gesture by FRG would be particularly timely now, in contributing to confidence in Hong
Hong Kong and
Kong and the
Agreement on Hong Kong's future.
3.
France waived visa requirements for HKBDTCs in 1983, and Austria did SO last year. Not aware that this has caused any
problems.
4.
Grateful if FRG would give serious consideration to this visa abolition proposal. British Embassy in Bonn will be putting
detailed case to Auswaertiges Amt in next few days.
(If pressed on FRG fear of HKBDTC exodus from Hong Kong nearer to
1997)
5.
Hong Kong Agreement aims to provide for maintenance of Hong Kong's stability and prosperity, and for continuity of present economic and social system for 50 years after 1997. HMG and PRC both committed to this. Visa restrictions would in any event not
prevent overstaying
if FRG
experienced serious problems with Hong Kong visitors nearer to 1997, then could surely consider reimposing restrictions?
illegal or
entry in
extremis:
CONFIDENTIAL