abode etc. We wouldn't, as I understand it, have the right
answers. In any case the French operate a virtual blanket
worldwide visa requirement so I doubt in any case if we
would be well received. As you know the Bermudans have
been lobbying for visa abolition agreements with a number
of European countries (our Embassies have helped but the
main action has come from Hamilton) so I think that Hong
Kong should follow a similar course of action if that is
what they want. Has Mr Parkinson been briefed to mention
this?
5. In the EC context there has been no pressure to
add any of our dependent territories to the common
list of visa national countries but I have to say that
most of our partners have said that they simply do not
understand what rights are available to holders of BNO etc
passports. I suspect therefore that it is ignorance which
has kept dependent territories off the agenda so far.
6. May I suggest that we have a brief meeting with HKD
to discuss this as it is clearly a topic which requires
some elaboration.
11
L Stephenson