CODE 18-77
Mrs Barnes Jones
Reference.............
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VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR BN(0)S VISITING AUSTRIA AND MAURITIUS; MEETING WITH MVD AND NTCD ON WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY
1.
Since 1983/4 the Austrians have been under the misapprehension that holders of BDTC passports had returnability to the UK. Largely as a result of the introduction of BN (0) passports, the Austrians looked at the situation again. They began to suspect that giving visa-free access to BDTC (and now BN (0) passport holders) was contrary to the terms of our visa abolition agreement. We suspect that what may have been bothering the Austrians was the returnability of British Hong Kong passport holders (BDTCs and Bild() to the UK. We tried to avoid a categorical statement hoping the Austrians would allow the status quo to continue. But finally they pressed for confirmation of BDTC and BN (0) status. We could not, of course give anything but a factual correct answer (though when clarifying the situation we did stress the 4 points in Hong Kong's telno 2510).
2.
Over the years there has been a substantial exchange of telegrams on this subject. I attach copies of the most important ones. However according to our files, the correspondence died out in 1991 and MVD confirm that the matter was left unresolved with the Austrians. It seems that we may have decided not to pursue this with the Austrians because of the danger that they would remove visa-free access for BDTCs.
3.
Pending our meeting with MVD and NTCD on 24 February I have sent a holding reply to Hong Kong's telegram 203. I have als drafted a substantial reply and sent copies to go, both MVD and NTCD to be used as a basis for our discussions which should also include visa free access
France and Germany).
Woodrow
for BN(C)s to EEC countnis particularly
J Woodrow
Hong Kong Department
19 February 1993
mvd.visa.NAT
SLM
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