TNAG-0374-FCO40-420-Discussions-with-Sir-Murray-MacLehose--Governor-of-Hong-Kong-1973 — Page 86

position.

However, after receipt of Mr Lane's letter of 6 June,

Mr Royle directed that another approach should be made to the

Home Office in six months' time. While adamant on the main issue,

the Home Office have agreed that 12 month entry certificates (known

as "Visitor B" entry certificates) can be issued to members of the

Executive and Legislative Councils in Hong Kong on the authority

of the Secretary for Security even although they are not eligible

for such certificates as businessmen; that wider use could probably

be made of Visitor B entry certificates for businessmen; and in

principle to consider the possibility of extending the issue of

Visitor B entry certificates to persons other than members of the

Executive and Legislative Councils and businessmen. We await

proposals from Hong Kong on the implications of such an extension.

Japanese Visa Requirements for Hong Kong UK Passport Holders

4. The Hong Kong Government have consistently maintained pressure

to be included in the reciprocal Visa Abolition Agreement

concluded between HMG and the Japanese Government in 1962; or for

a waiver arrangement to be concluded. A series of approaches at

official level and an approach by Mr Royle have been made to the

Japanese Government without success. Subsequently, following

discussions between the Governor and the Japanese Consul-General

in Hong Kong in January 1973, an arrangement has been agreed based

on a 1957 Exchange of Notes between the Japanese and UK Governments

covering the reciprocal issue of continuous visas for Japan and the

UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Federation of Malaya.

5.

The arrangement involves a considerable increase in the issue

of continuous visas for Japan to holders of Hong Kong passports.

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