copy.
Sir,
H. B.M. Consulate-General,
CANTO N.
2nd July, 1935.
I have the honour to refer to your despatch of June
21st, 1935, regarding the collection of fees for entrance visas for
China and to enquire whether in accordance with the procedure existing at
Shanghai residents of Hong Kong, who have the fact that they reside in
Hong Kong endorsed on their passport by the appropriate authorities, will
be exempt from visas, or, if they request, will be given one free of
charge.
I have the honour to add that the Shanghai procedure is based
on a ruling given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs some time in 1934
part of which reads:
"On account of the fact that Chinese citizens going to Hong Kong are not required to carry any passport and in accordance with the principle of reciprocity, British subjects coming from Hong Kong are exempt from visas, provided, however, that their passports state clearly that they are born or are resident in Hong Kong.
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I have the honour to request, accordingly, that you will
confirm that British subjects who have a certificate of residence in
Hong Kong endorsed on their passports, will be exempt from visas if they
enter China through Canton, or will be provided with a visa free of
charge if they so request.
The Commissioner of Public Safety,
CANTO N.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(signed) Herbert Phillips
Consul-General.