RESTRICTED
FM CARACAS
TO IMMEDIATE FCO
TELNO 43
OF 221818Z FEBRUARY 1990
AND TO IMMEDIATE ACTOR
RESTRICTED
нко 400 л
RECEIVED A
DESI
INDEX
15 MAR 1990
Y
173022
MDHIAN 8200
MIPT: ARRIVAL OF CHINESE IN VENEZUELA
1. THERE IS A FURTHER COMPLICATION TO THIS AFFAIR. BRITISH AIRWAYS HERE TELL US THAT DIEX (OFFICE FOR IMMIGRATION, PART OF INTERIOR MINISTRY) ISSUED AN INSTRUCTION ON 22 JANUARY TO BA'S OFFICE AT CARACAS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TELLING BA NOT TO CARRY CHINESE PASSENGERS TRAVELLINGON A 'VISA DE LEGALIZACION' (WHICH WE TAKE TO BE THE QUESTIONABLE DOCUMENTATION AT THE ROOT OF THIS CASE).
THIS INSTRUCTION WAS NOT ACTED UPON BY BA: AND THE BA CITY OFFICE
IN CARACAS DID NOT KNOW OF ITS EXISTENCE UNTIL THEY WERE TELEPHONED BY THE THEN HEAD OF DIEX (ARROYO) ON 19 FEBRUARY. FOLLOWING HIS CALL, BA HAVE CHECKED AND ESTABLISHED THAT THEIR OFFICE AT THE AIRPORT HAD INDEED RECEIVED THE 22 JANUARY MESSAGE:
BUT THEY HAVE NOT SO FAR ACKNOWLEDGED THIS TO DIEX CARROYO WAS SUSPENDED BEFORE BA GOT BACK TO HIM). POTENTIALLY THEREFORE, BA COULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE DOUBTFUL CHINESE ARRIVALS SINCE 22 JANUARY.
2. BA HERE (WHOSE LOCAL MANAGER IS OUT OF THE COUNTRY) ARE TAKING
LEGAL ADVICE. WE HAVE INFORMALLY ADVISED THEM ALSO TO SEEK GUIDANCE FROM BA HEADQUARTERS IN LONDON ON HOW TO RESPOND WHEN DIEX/MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR REVERT TO THE QUESTION OF THE 22 JANUARY DIRECTIVE. MEANWHILE, IF THE PRESS GET ON TO THIS AND ASK US ABOUT IT WE SHALL REFER THEM TO BA.
FITZHERBERT
YYYY
1
PAGE
RESTRICTED
Joz