From
Ref.
Tel. No.
Date
CONFIDENTIAL
Assistant Political Adviser I
in
SCR 9/2091/56
5-95399
24 October 1986
MEMO
To
pa
Secretary for Security
Your Ref.
in
dated
Mr Smith
The Phasing Out of Re-Entry Permits
Mr Li Ruohe of NCNA called to see me at my request this afternoon. I handed to him a copy of the speaking note enclosed.
2.
Mr Li took note and undertook to convey the information to the relevant Chinese authorities. He said that he would revert if any questions arose.
3. He seemed slightly surprised that the computerisation programme would begin so soon, and wondered whether there was not a need to wait for the new identity cards to be issued. I pointed out that the programme of computerisation was a phased one and that the identity card replacement programme would similarly be phased. There would therefore be a period when REPS and I.D. cards were used alongside each other.
4. Mr Li enquired whether the format of the REP for those who still hold one would remain unchanged. I should be grateful for advice on this point.
5. Mr Li commented that this appeared to be quite a big change. It might well be that the Chinese authorities would have a number of questions. For example, he said that the Chinese authorities did at present in fact check three documents for Hong Kong residents entering or leaving China: their Home Visits Permits, their I.D. cards and their REPS. He noted also that the basis for the issue of Home Visit Permits was a check on I.D. cards and REPS. He therefore thought that this might pose some difficulties, but he would not know until he had consulted further. I offered our assistance in discussing the matter further, and said that I was sure that the Director of Immigration would also be happy to discuss it. I stressed that the symbol *** would indicate the holder's eligibility to return to Hong Kong. (Mr Li checked his own I.D. card to ascertain that it carried this symbol!).
G.F. 73C
6.
Mr Li also referred to a vague recollection he had that the original agreement allowing the operation of the through train to Canton made reference to REPS. He said he would check the wording from his files to ensure that there would be no difficulties arising from our proposal. This means nothing to me. Can the Director of Immigration shed any light?
D of Imm
erwant
HKK 310/L
(C T WoddECEI
Assistant Political A¿MISV1986
CE Leeks, Esq. HKD ECO or D G Blunt, Esq., Peking
File: PA CR 1/4731/49 XV
CONFIDENTIAL #3
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