18.
The FCO explained that BDTCs who wish to travel to China do so on Chinese
documents. But they cannot acquire Chinese passports. The FCO did not think the
Chinese would be receptive to the proposition that Hong Kong Chinese BDTCs should
be able to acquire Chinese passports now, and considered that this would in any case
be confusing to third countries. Nevertheless the FCO agreed to ask Hong Kong the
extent of the demand for Chinese passports.
CONCLUSION
19.
The JCWI did not press their arguments hard. Their view of the nationality
status of non-ethnic Chinese BDTCs clearly remains and will continue to remain
unchanged. But they appeared to accept that progress had been made on other matters,
noteably passport acceptability.
20.
Two points were raised which we undertook to look into.
a)
the question of the entry into Hong Kong of children born
abroad to non-ethnic Chinese parents who have the right of abode
there (action: Home Office)
b)
the possibility of Hong Kong Chinese BDTCs acquiring Chinese
passports (action: FCO).
NTY/85 1/387/8
B4 Division
- 5 -
J P EMERY
19 December 1985