TNAG-0988-FCO40-1207-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 12

91

Good

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr Morrice, HKGD (K 247)

сс

Reference .GVM 341/22...

In Jason 16/10

Mr Davies, FED (K 25ED IN REGISTRY NO. 51

2 1 OCT 1980

HONG KONG TRANSIT VISAS, DESK OFFICER

1.

INDEX

PA

REGISTRY Action Tuken

CA

714/10.

In the final paragraph of your minute of15 October to Mr Davies, you ask whether an invitation to the Chinese to send an official from Peking to see the immigration procedures on the ground in Hong Kong could set an undesirable precedent for us here.

2.

This would certainly not be so. It is just the sort of offer that we do make when governments complain about UK immigration pro- cedures. The most recent case, earlier this year, concerned the Indian Government. Indian Ministers have persistently complained to

We

ours about alleged harassment at Heathrow, and on 17 January the Indian Foreign Secretary made the allegation to Lord Carrington. accordingly invited the Acting Indian High Commissioner to Heathrow to witness the processing of passengers from India. I attach a copy of a short minute from Mr Adams to the Private Secretary about the visit.

3. The Home Office and Immigration Service of course co-operate fully in these arrangements. This being so, I would not think it necessary (unless you particularly wish me to do so) to speak to the Home Office about your idea in regard to Hong Kong.

I do not see how they could object.

CODE 18-77

SS 8/78

16 October 1980

CONFIDENTIAL

цве

D W Partridge

Migration and Visa Dept