A B
Miss Marsan
CONFIDENTIAL
12,
HKB 020/13
Its I have
Mr Stone
HK'S
commented before,
poncy is an anachronist
Mr Tait
PS/Mr Waldegrave
PS/Mr Maude
W 4/4
FROM: C Hulse, EED
DATE: 3 April 1990
х
cc: Mr Paul, HKD
Mr Colvin, SEAD
Mr Hemans, Soviet Dept PUSD (DSE)
EASTERN EUROPEAN VISITORS TO HONG KONG
I understand that the Hungarian Consul in Jakarta, Dr Balogh, has been refused a Hong Kong visa on the grounds of DSP 51 1.4.4.
1.
2.
Visa policy for Soviet and Eastern European nationals was reviewed by the Hong Kong Government in 1989, and was relaxed for business visitors and for those attending conferences. I understand that HKG are now further reviewing their visa policy in these areas. Given the rapidly expanding trade links between the emerging Eastern European democracies and Hong Kong's neighbours and competitors, particularly South Korea, a further relaxation would seem be in Hong Kong's interests.
3.
As Jakarta telno 21 points out the section of DSP relevant to Dr Balogh's refusal was written in 1978. Despite traditional sensitivities about Eastern European visitors to the Colony, this policy is now distinctly anachronistic and I hope that it can be revised. I cannot see what possible threat Dr Balogh can be to Hong Kong interests. Mr Maude may therefore wish to raise the issue with Sir David Wilson when he visits Hong Kong on 7 April and enquire how the review of visa policy has progressed.
C Hulse
Eastern European Department
CH8AGG
CONFIDENTIAL