TNAG-0334-FCO40-370-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 47

CONFIDENTIAL

B.

1.

EXCLUSION OF HONG KONG FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM/JAPAN

VISA ABOLITION AGREEMENT OF 2 NOVEMBER 1962

The negotiations with the Japanese authorities in 1962,

which led to the Visa Abolition Agreement in that year, were con-

ducted with the primary intention on the part of both Governments

of easing restriction on travel between Japan and the United

Kingdom. The Government did not ask that Hong Kong be excluded

from the Agreement, but the Japanese made it clear from the out-

set of the negotiations (on an informal and confidential basis)

that they were not keen to extend any agreement with the UK to

include Hong Kong. However, it was accepted by both Governments

that visa abolition arrangements for HMG's dependent territories,

including Hong Kong, could be the subject of further negotiations

at a later date if so required.

2.

The Hong Kong Government have consistently maintained

pressure to be included in the agreement or for a waiver arrange-

ment to be concluded. A series of approaches to effect either

arrangement has been made at official level to the Japanese,

whose basic objection has been that if they agreed to admit Hong

Kong Passport Holders without visas, they would lose control over

the admission of subversive Chinese elements. When the matter

was raised in 1966 the Ministry of Justice also objected on the

grounds that it has considerable trouble in ridding Japan of

the significant number of Hong Kong Chinese who enter Japan,

ostensibly as tourists with visas, and then stay to work.

Apparently, while there are provisions in Japanese law for

deportation, there are no funds to pay for it. No effective means

/exist

1

CONFIDENTIAL