CONFIDENTIAL
12.
with
the
In August 1985, Her Majesty's Government initiated discussions
Chinese Government on the wording of a statement to be
in British National (Overseas) passports
included
which would
indicate clearly to immigration
to immigration authorities in third countries that
the holder had the right of
sought for the statement
passport.
It would thus be
the same time, agreement
to
abode in Hong Kong. Agreement was
remain valid over the life of the
valid both before and after 1997. A t
sought for the new permanent identity
cards, which the Hong Kong Government wish to issue from 1 July
1987, to remain valid un til they are replaced after 1997 by
identity cards of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
was
(£) Legislation and Treaties
In due
13.
made, under
Government to
en act
for Orders in Council to be
course Hong Kong will ask
the Hong Kong Act 1985, enabling the Hong Kong
local legislation to replace United Kingdom
laws which at present apply to Hong Kong. Examples of such laws
are those relating to merchant shipping and civil aviation.
Treaties affecting Hong Kong, and arrangements for setting up a
court of final appeal in Hong Kong, are also being
Some of these subjects, particularly the question of
looked in to.
ensuring the
continued application of international rights and obligations
affecting Hong Kong,
Kong, will be discussed with the Chinese Government
through the Joint Liaison Group.
(g)
Shipping
In May 1985 the Hong Kong
14.
Government issued a consultative
autonomous Hong
response from
document outlining initial thinking for a separate,
Kong Register of Shipping; there was а
constructive
the shipping industry, which is
which is now being studied.
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CONFIDEN TIAL