TNAG-0334-FCO40-370-Visits-of-Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-Commonwealth-Af-1972 — Page 49

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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 out some sort of acceptable arrange-

ment and were impressed 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 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 Passport

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

Hong Kong passports without 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

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