TNAG-0242-FCO40-278-Conduct-of-Hong-Kong-commercial-relations-1970 — Page 104

CONFIDENTIAL

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for Hong Kong citizens because the U.K. required entry certificates.

And the Germans were reluctant to allow Hong Kong citizens in for

fear that they would not be accepted in Britain if it came to

repatriation.

certificate.

It was easier to get a US. visa than a U.K. entry

Could not the granting of these certificates be

simplified and the need to produce evidence of travellers bona fides

waived? Mr. Kan said he that it was not strictly necessary to obtain

a U.K. entry certificate, but if you did not have one, you might be

ed

subject/to some inconvenience. Mr. Gordon said that the real difficulties

arose in the case of Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany. In the

course of general discussion it was agreed that the Germans had altered

their practice following the Commonwealth Immigration Act and that as

late as 1969 several European countries, for example Austria, had been

willing to admit holders of Hong Kong passports without visas.

13. Sir C. Y. Kwan asked whether representations could be made on

behalf of Hong Kong to Japan and the Federal Republic. Mr. Lee made the

point that entry certificates were restricted to one journey within

valid six months of issue, whereas one could obtain multiple visas for a number

s/for Jorneys and several

years for entry into the U.S. Could not entry certificates be given

a longer validity?

14. Mr. Stewart said that he would see what could be done. We could

not compel foreign countries to admit foreign citizens without visas.

Constitution/ matters

15. Sir Albert Rodrigues said that there was no room for

constitutional change and no demand for it except from a few

unrepresentative sections of the public. All the members of the Council

were agreed on this.

16. Mr. Stewart raised the question of an ombudsman. He understood

that the unofficial members had an office for handling public

/grievances