TNAG-0334-FCO40-370-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 134

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had been consulted was against the inclusion of Hong Kong

Passport Holders in the UK/Japan Visa Abolition Agreement.

In addition to the domestic arguments previously used, the

Japanese said they were concerned about a number of cases where

Hong Kong Chinese had committed both criminal offences and

breaches of the Immigration Act in their country. The Japanese

MFA seemed to be more inclined than the Home departments to work

with out some sort of acceptable arrangement and were impressed / Mr Royle's

offer on behalf of the Hong Kong Government to bear the repat-

riation 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 when he visits Tokyo in February.

7. There have been no indications of any recent change 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. It is 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

and to ask them to reconsider their refusal to admit holders of

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/Hong Kong