358 998 FOTI P.08
1992-06-18 18:17 SECURITY BRANCH
RESTRICTED
2
Post-dating
C.
We
share your views
that this is a non-starter. We would just like to add the extra reason that the BDTC and BN (0) passports are in different formats. As the current passports do not provide different dates of issue and commencement of validity, implementation of this proposal would
would probably require changes in the passport format, which would further confuse third parties.
BN (0) passport with BDTC endorsement
Your proposal is
We
would however have
the validity of the 1 July 1997) it is difficulties with the grave reservations in
apparently based on the concept in DSP Vol.2 Pt.1 Items 6.1.12 (14) & (15) which allow BC passports to contain BDTC or BN (0) status endorsements. If there were a terminal date for endorsement (which must be before unlikely that there would be any Chinese. recommending this concept as a substitute for the two-passport concept, because the public and LegCo here have accepted the Home Secretary's concession as approval for them to hold two separate passports. Despite provision in the DSP, no one in Hong Kong has ever asked for such an endorsement. ΤΟ adopt this concept, we must also be prepared to cater for a large number of applications for the endorsement principally from the holders of the existing 0.5 million BN (0) passports in circulation; and we must also launch a world-wide publicity campaign to explain this arrangement to immigration authorities abroad so as to avoid any confusion and misunderstanding which may cause inconvenience to holders of BN (0) passports. We strongly feel that this option should not be pursued.
British citizens who are also BDTCS/BN (0)S
For the same reasons, we are not in favour of this proposal as a substitute for dual possession. There is an added disadvantage in this proposal in that it will draw unnecessary attention to the way in which certain BN (0)/BDTCs obtain their BCship i.e. under the British Nationality Scheme, thereby giving away their identity. We should also make it clear that allowing people to hold two passports is an exception, done for the sole purpose of allaying LegCo's fear of BDTC status being taken away. There is no reason, therefore, that BCs should be given two or three passports.
Page 30Page 31