CONFIDENTIAL
5. We have consistently resisted Chinese pressure for official representation in Hong Kong, partly to avoid establishing an alternative focus of loyalty in the territory, and also because of the danger that such an appointment might be seen by people in Hong Kong as the first step towards the relinquishment of British sovereignty. In the present climate of relations with China these risks have diminished, but it would clearly be wrong to agree to this long-standing Chinese request without extracting the maximum price in return. When the matter was raised with him in March, the Governor accordingly pointed out the uncertainty that could be
caused in Hong Kong if an official representative were to be appointed at this time, and assured the Chinese authorities that the Hong Kong Government would always be willing to help should the absence of official representation cause the Chinese any practical difficulties.
6.
In view of this assurance, it would be prudent to agree to
the Chinese request to be allowed to issue visas in Hong Kong
(probably through the China Travel Service Office, as Dr Wilson suggests) The only disadvantage in our agreeing to this is that it would set a precedent which might be seized on by the Vietnamese (who have asked to be allowed to establish a visa issuing office in Hong Kong), or by those interested in developing closer links with Taiwan (who would like toppen visa issuing offices in London and Taipei to facilitate travel to and from Taiwan). That said, it will be clear to all that China is a special case. The Hong Kong Government are confident that they can successfully resist any Vietnamese pressure, and Migration and Visa Department have confirmed that the precedent would not create any problems for our policy with regard to visas for Taiwan.
RECOMMENDATION
7. I therefore recommend that we should authorise the Political
Adviser to agree to the Chinese request. MVD and FED concur. I submit a draft telegram.
14 May 1979
cc. Mr Cortazzi
MVD FED
Ruaudiom
R JT McLaren
Hong Kong & General Department
I agree or Corlagg
CONFIDENTIAL
16/v
PARB.,7/--.
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