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Redacted under FOI Exemption S 27(1)
As regards items (b) and (d) of your
para. 6, experts in the HKG are now working on the model Mutual Legal Assistance Agreement and the model Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements.
I am sure that they will keep the FCO informed of developments.
6.
Regarding Visa Abolition Agreements (VAAs), I share your view that negotiations of VAAS would involve a very substantial amount of work. And I understand that to take matters forward, the Director of Immigration has been liaising with the FCO and has requested certain information to assist his deliberations. This is a very complicated issue, and we have yet to devise a strategy. We shall consult you on this once an agreed view has been reached within HKG.
7.
on
Lastly, VAAs for SAR passports. We see no need to start any action on VAAS for SAR passports at this stage. Nevertheless, in view of the effect of VAAS confidence in, and acceptability of, SAR passports, our objective should be that SAR passports issued on 1 July 1997 should enable their holders to travel, visa free, to major destinations of Hong Kong tourists and businessmen. However, action on VAAS for SAR passports can only commence after the "birth" of such passports. We should therefore consider raising with the Chinese, say, in 1991, the need for them to start work on the SAR passports. If the experience of the preparation for BN(0) passports is a relevant reference, hopefully the SAR passports will be ready by 1994; thereafter, work on VAAs can commence.
8.
I hope you will find the above useful. Please let me know if you have any further comments. May I also take this opportunity to wish you a most successful year ahead.
c.c. D.G. Martin, Esq.
1938Z
UK Rep JLG HK
C.O. Pigott, Esq. Embassy, Peking.
Yours
Chery
(Miss Cherry LING)
for Secretary, General Duties
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