1) copy to Mr Kelly
BN (0) PASSPORTS
2/ pa 12/2 Mys Bands Fand
пут
Hauwer and (Paul/Lin) 4:2.93
a Konulu Ithi]
JRgan Pehny
A Stunn
CAB
1. As you know, if British Dependent Territories Citizen (BDTC)
passport holders wish to exchange their passports for British
National (Overseas) (BN (0)) ones or if those eligible for a BN (0)
passport wish to apply for one, they need to do so before 1997.
18
Luir
2. You will recall that during the final stage of the
negotiations of the Memoranda on nationality associated with the
Joint Declaration, the two sides discussed the question of late
applications for BN (0) passports in the months before 1997.
Both sides recognised the need to take measures to avoid the
inconvenience and disruption caused by a last minute rush of
applications.
Later, at JLG II in November 1985, Ambassador Ke
said that the issue of BN (0) passports and new ID cards should be
arranged to avoid concentration of applications within a
particular period and thus an adverse effect on Hong Kong's
stability.
3.
Accordingly the Hong Kong Government will shortly be stepping
up its efforts, through media publicity, to increase public
awareness of the procedures for applying for a BN (0) passport.
They are also considering what other measures might be taken.
This could include for example, the introduction of a system of
phased application by age groups, similar to the system
previously used to issue new Identity cards. If such a system is
introduced, participation would be entirely voluntary.
Office of the British Senior Representative Sino-British Joint Liaison Group
3 February 1993
HKD 348,
R+
12 FEE 1993
IND