F
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7.
will
Canada is also a special case in that visa-free
access (which BDTCs currently enjoy) for BN (0)S
require amendment to the Canadian Immigration Rules. The
Canadians have told us informally that this ought to be possible, but a formal approach will be needed to request the necessary amendments. A supplementary speaking note which it is proposed the High Commissioner in Ottawa should use for this purpose is at Flag F.
8.
There is still unease in Hong Kong about nationality arrangements and fear that the BN (0) passport will not prove a worthwhile document. It will be important for HMG
to be seen to act vigorously to promote and secure
widespread international acceptance of the new passport. The Hong Kong Government advise that it would be wise, in Hong Kong terms, not to wait too long after the making of the Order before taking action internationally. At the same time there is a risk, which Hong Kong recognise, that if action is taken too long before 1 July 1987 immigration authorities in third countries will forget about the new
In view passport
appears.
before it
of these
considerations it has been agreed with Hong Kong that the right time to initiate the campaign would be September 1986, and that we should keep in mind the possibility of a brief reminding exercise in May or June 1987.
9.
to
as
have
There will be great interest in both Hong Kong and Parliament in the outcome of the exercise. Our aim must be
that announce
many countries as possible indicated they will recognise the new passport. It would probably be wise to defer any detailed public statement
reach such a the campaign until
a stage.
we
But
it
about would be useful to announce in Hong Kong that an exercise
to consult
Hong Government on a suitable press release for use there.
was
under
way.
We
propose
the
Kong
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