CONFIDENTIAL
FM FCO
TO IMMEDIATE HONG KONG
TELNO 583
OF 161719Z JUNE 93
CONFIDENTIAL
R&RC file with we).
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YOUR TELNO 957: BN (0) PHASED REGISTRATION PROGRAMME, PASSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
1. The Line which you propose in your paragraph 4 is fully supported in Whitehall. We are
are conscious that one practical result of the new arrangements may be that a majority of Hong Kong residents will choose to travel on BDTC rather than BN (0) passports. This will limit the exposure of airlines and foreign customs officials to the BN (0) passport in the run-up to 1997. There is some risk therefore that the myth that the BN (0) passport is less acceptable abroad may become self-fulfilling. It will be all the more important to promote the BN (0) passport both in Hong Kong, and world-wide.
2.
The consultation process referred to in our telno 579 should be complete by 21 June (we look forward to receiving your own input), we shall then prepare a substantive reply to your telno 592, which should reach you by 23 June.
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PAGE 1 CONFIDENTIAL
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HKD 3401,
17 JU. 1993