TNAG-0910-FCO40-1120-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 108

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ROZZIVED IN 2

CONFIDENTIAL

· 9 MAR 1979

33.51

Reference.....

We should keep

on this he caud

inveren

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of the Hongking

1

23

Mr S F St C Duncan

Consular Dept..

CL601

INDEX

RECISTRY

Action Tak

Stiv

9/3

Moromiamuigh J8.3

PA

TAIWAN: PROTECTION OF BRITISH INTERESTS

1. I am sorry that a high incidence of 'flu in the Department combined with the Sino-Vietnamese conflict has prevented me from replying before now to your minute of 29 January. However you know from the exchange of telegrams that we sought Peking's views on the possibility of the Anglo-Taiwan Trade Committee acting as a post office for us on the consular matters which the Americans have been handling for us until now once it became clear that the American Institute could not take this on.

2.

In view of Peking's reply (their telno 218) I am content that you should approach the Anglo-Taiwan Trade Committee and ask if they are prepared to help yourselves and Nationality and Treaty Department.

(The ATTC's Taipei office incidentally employs former members of the locally engaged staff of the old Consulate.)

I agree that there is no reason to disturb the existing arrangements whereby visas are issued to airlines in Hong Kong.

On the whole it works well.

The ATTC could not cope with the volume of work anyway. It is possible however that Accommodation and Services Department might like to be included in any arrangements you make because there are continuing salary commitments to caretaker staff at the former Consulate buildings.

3. I have not discussed this with the Department of Trade which is the ATTC's supervising Department. Like to have a word with Mr John Mann in what is proposed before you speak to the

You may therefore CRE4 to let him know ATTC.

4. Perhaps you would be kind enough to let me know how you get on with the ATTC so that we can keep Peking in the picture.

1 March 1979

CODE 18 - 77

CC: Mr Smedley

N&TD

Mr Scullard A&SD

Mr Mallett MVD

Mr MacLaren HKGD

Mr Darwin

Legal Advisers

Mr Burges Watson TRED

плавал

R C Samuel

Far Eastern Dept