TNAG-0281-FCO40-317-Visit-of-the-Chancellor-of-the-Duchy-of-Lancaster-to-Hong-Ko-1970 — Page 191

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be worthwhile to re-open negotiations with a view to obtaining

reciprocal facilities for Hong Kong passport holders; they are,

we know, willing that the Germans should be given an undertaking

that any repatriation costs of Hong Kong belongers would be met

by the Hong Kong Government; but it appears unlikely, having

regard to the policy of the Federal German authorities as

described above, that this approach will meet with any greater

success than previous similar approaches.

7.

There is no formal agreement for the mutual abolition

of visas between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic

of Germany and the visa concessions for British passports

holders from the United Kingdom are extended on an informal

and reciprocal basis,

8. In response to a request from Hong Kong in April this

year, an undertaking was given that the possibility would be

examined here of an approach by H.M.G. asking the German

authorities to agree to reciprocal visa waiver facilities

for holders of Hong Kong passports visiting the Federal German

Republic.

9. This examination has been carried out but in the light

of the known German attitude in this matter, it is considered

that such an approach would serve no useful purpose at the

present time.

10. However, in connexion with a similar request from

Gibraltar, our Embassy in Bonn have been asked to inquire

from the German authorities whether a "certificate of

returnability" issued by the Gibraltar Government, in addition

to a guarantee (already given to the Germans,but without success)

to refund any costs of repatriation to Gibraltar would:-

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/(a).....