13-AUG-1993 10:33
B4 IND LIVERPOOL
44 051 236 3386
P.03
proliferation of passports the neatest arrangement is simply to incorporate BN (0) status into the BC passport.
As to the procedure and your comments in para 6, we explored the possibility of having BDTC passports endorsed with BN(0) status but were persuaded against this by Security Branch on the grounds that after 1997 the Chinese would not wish to see passports showing BDTC status and because the concession agreed by the Home Secretary had been interpreted in Hong Kong as a willingness to allow BDTCs to hold two passports. The first objection does not apply in the case of BC/BN(0) passports
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We do not see how combining BC and BN (0) status in one passport undermines the BN (0) cut-off date scheme. We still need all those who wish to become BN (0)s to complete a form and pay a fee regardless of whether they are then issued with a BN (0) passport or they have their BC passport endorsed with BN (0) status. We considered the sort of procedure you propose in para 7 when we looked at the case referred to us by HKID, but concluded that it would be criticised for being excessively bureaucratic. A procedure involving the production of a passport, issuing it "momentarily" and then cancelling it would invite ridicule.
We do not have any objection to a simpler endorsement (pointing out that the holder is a BC and BN(0) but not mentioning right of abode). Perhaps you would consider the above comments and see if you feel able on reflection to agree.