TNAG-0667-FCO40-816-Restrictions-on-issue-of-visas-to-nationals-of-Soviet-Bloc-c-1988 — Page 78

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against granting visas for potential Eastern European and Cuban participants in the Baptist Youth World Conference in July 1978 are relevant to Mr Barcak's case (paragraph 3 of my minute of 21 January refers). Similarly, I suppose it would have to be. accepted that the point about freedom of travel which has arisen in connection with the Baptist Youth World Conference also applies (paragraph 4 of my minute of the same date). My only doubt on this score is that I see from Prague Telno 80 that the Norwegians have cancelled a visit by Mr Barcak in view of the repressive attitude which the Czechoslovakian authorities are adopting towards/"Charter '77" movement. If the Norwegains are not prepared to accept a visit by Mr Barcak, it might be argued that this reinforces Hong Kong's disinclination to admit him. I note too, from Prague Telno 79, that the Czechoslovak Foreign Minister

has been totally uncompromising on his government's attitude towards the implementation of the Final Act of the CSCE with regard to freedom of expression. Again, it might be argued that, if the Czechoslovakian Government are adopting such an intransigent attitude, it would not be right o to ask Hong Kong to be more accommodating towards Mr Barcak.

*O

5: I would not wish to express any firm view about the right course of action to adopt but I do think the above considerations should be taken into account in any draft submission that is prepared.

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3 March 1977

copies:

Mr Figgis

D F Milton

Hong Kong Department !

(for "Czechoslovakian" read "Cockosturak")

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