TNAG-0334-FCO40-370-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 127

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Immigration Act in their country.

The Japanese MFA seemed to be

more inclined than the Home Departments to work out some sort of acceptable arrangement and were improssed with Mr Royle's offer on behalf of the Hong Kong Government to bear the repatriation costs of any Chinese identified by the Japanese as undesirable. It appeared

that because of the objections of the Japanese Home Departments, the

approach was premature.

6. The continued dissatisfaction of the Hong Kong authorities was brought to Mr Royle's attention on 10 January during a call on him by Sir Sidney Gordon and Sir Y K Kan from Hong Kong. Mr Royle said

that efforts would be made to persuade the Japanese to change their decision and he proposed a further approach by the Secretary of State.

It is

7. There have been no indications of any recent changes of heart

by the Japanese but it is possible that an approach by the Secretary of State would result in an agreement to the technical and domestic objections to the proposal being re-examined at working level.

recommended that the Secretary of State takes the opportunity to express to the Japanese authorities the keen desire of the Hong Kong Government that their Tassport Holders should be able to enter Japan without visas; their willingness to cooperate over reciprocal and return arrangements, including repatriation costs, and ask them to reconsider their refusal to admit holders of Hong Kong passports with-

out visas. The Secretary of State may wish to express the view that the technical and administrative problems connected with the proposal are capable of resolution and the Japanese authorities could work with our Embassy in Tokyo towards bringing matters to a satisfactory

conclusion.

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