TNAG-0910-FCO40-1120-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1979 — Page 95

POPE 18-77

Reference...

PJ Williamson, HK & GD (K 242)

8

1. We spoke about the Hong Kong correspondence re entry of Hong Kong-passport holders into Germany without a visa.

2. The points made in Mr Mallett's minute of 28 March below are very relevant and, on these grounds alone, we are doubtful that we should proceed to put the full force of HMG behind the Hong Kong request.

3. We must however view this proposal in the wider context of all British passport holders. You may not be aware that since 1968, when the Commonwealth Immigration Act 1968 entered into force, all British passport holders who do not have unrestricted right of entry into the UK or whose passports do not bear an entry certificate for entry, were brought by Germany under a requirement to obtain a visa to enter that country - see attached German Embassy leaflet.

4. In our view, whilst we do not object to a dependent territory seeking an unregistered bilateral agreement with Germany or any other country, we should not put the full force of HMG behind argument for such an agreement limited to only one territory. We should only do so where the proposal is for visa-free entry for all British passport holders who are now subject to a visa requirement, eg from other dependent territories, or UK passport holders who are subject to our immigration control. We will also have to seek Home Office views should an FCO view emerge that we should so act.

5.

Grateful for your comments.

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