TNAG-0910-FCO40-1120-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 90

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CONFIDENTIAL

Jwidiann

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HKK 345/2

345

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

1 4 MAY 979

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

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PA

RE: HY

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GVM 349/39371

11 May 1979

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J S Whitehead Esq CMG CVO

Bonn

VISA HAIVER ARRANGEMENTS: HONG KONG

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1. You will have seen copies of the letters dated 2 January and 15 March which Ron Bridge, the Director of Immigration in Hong Kong, wrote to me about the possibility of the Germans agreeing to waive the visa requirement for British-passport holders of Hong Kong wish- ing to enter the Federal Republic. In the second letter he said he would be grateful for your views on the possibility of making a successful approach to the German authorities. George Brownlee has discussed this on the telephone with Eldon. I understand that your first reaction is that the chances are poor and that, if we are to make such a request, we should not do so in a half-hearted mammer.

2. We, and of course Hong Kong and General Department, are anxious to help the Hong Kong authorities in any way we can. As you know, German-passport holders are allowed to enter Hong Kong for up to one month without a visa. We believe that the other Common Market countries waive visa requirements for visitors from Hong Kong hold- ing british passports. It is understandable therefore that the Hong Kong authorities should seek similar treatment in the Federal Republic.

3. The German authorities require all British-passport holders who do not have unrestricted right-of-entry into the United Kingdom to obtain a visa to enter Germany. This is understandable because of the possible difficulty which they may have in getting rid of such visitors who may over-stay or go to ground. In the case of Hong Kong, however, you will see that the authorities there are prepared to guarantee to take back deportees who hold their passports. I do not know how much difficulty has been caused to the German authori- ties by Hong Kong Chinese who have misbehaved by over-staying or by taking part in drug trafficking or other illegal activities. The Germans may feel that the existing visa requirement provides at least a little safeguard against this.

4.

We should be grateful if you would let us know what you consider to be the reasons for the German attitude as it seems to have been put to their Consul General in Hong Kong; and if you would let us

CONFIDENTIAL

/know

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