CONFIDENTIAL
DSR 11C
effective if you could point to expressions of support by
your host
government.) The
successful
implementation of
the Joint Declaration will now depend to a considerable
extent on continuing international support for it and for
the arrangements made to implement it.
7.
You should stress how important it is for the
implementation of the Joint Declaration that
successful
the people of Hong Kong should continue to have
confidence in their own future, in the continuity of
their lifestyle and in the territory's economic
prospects. A crucial element
element of this is confidence in
their freedom to travel for business and recreation. HMG
hope and expect, therefore, that
immigration authorities
to afford the same
in third countries will be able
facilities for access and travel for
BN (0) s as are
Assurances that
currently available for Hong Kong BDTCs.
their freedom to travel will not be affected by this
change of nomenclature will be beneficial to confidence
to the
among
If you
Hong Kong people and will contribute
continuing success of the Hong Kong agreement.
think it would be helpful, you could mention the
supportive comments already made by the US, Australia and
Japan. ["US Vice-President George Bush affirmed at his
October 19 [1985] press conference that the United States
Government will recognise the proposed British National
(Overseas) passport." (Extract from text of press release
issued by the American Consulate-General in Hong Kong on
"The Australian
23 October
1985).
Commission
today
CONFIDENTIAL