min.visareg.NAT
JEB
RESTRICTED
RECE
RESTRICTED
IN
Reference
HKD 345/3
2 8 JUL 1993
521
Mr McLachlin
Mr Sinden Miss Brooks
ECD (I) MVD
)
Legal Counsellor)
) separate copies
CODE 18-77
HONG KONG: EC VISA REGIMES FOR BDTCS/BNOS
1.
Please see my submission of 21 July and my minute of 22 July to Mr McLachlin on this subject (now copied to Miss Brooks), our telno 161 to Madrid and Madrid telno 349. The latter confirms our suspicions that Hong Kong is on the Schengen Common Visa List (UK). I have been asked to submit further (and the Governor, calling this week on the Secretary of State and officials, has said he may wish to discuss.) We have agreed to meet at 10.30 on Tuesday 27 July in WH 302. We might look at:
(i) the implications of the Schengen inclusion of Hong Kong on a CVL
(ii) Hong Kong's position post 1 January 1996, when Qualified Majority Voting (QMJ) is introduced to establish an EC wide CVL.
Position on pre-entry clearance to UK if Hong Kong were to be included on CVL?
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(iii) What action might we consider taking to preserve the status quo for Hong Kong BDTCs?
2.
In more detail, I would find it helpful to consider the following areas when we meet:
Maastricht wide CVL imposed by QMV Any scope for pleading "special national interest" with regard to Hong Kong?
What is the precise sequence of events leading up to the implementation under Maastrict of the CVL by QMV?
(Once Maastricht is ratified by all member states, are there any further formalities before Article 100C comes into operation? Any likelihood that the introduction on 1 January 1996 of QMV will slip?)
- Could ECD (I) explain the mechanics of the discussion process allowed for under 100C? During the period up to 1 January 1996, how do we feed in our veto (via the Parliament, presumably), what opportunities are there for presenting our case, is this a forum where we can lobby, or is that best done through other channels?
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How to explore Commission thinking on drawing up the CVL? (Via bilateral contacts? Through EC Working Group on visas?)
- Schengen CVL How will the list be implemented? Are member countries being encouraged to introduce visa regimes for Hong