TNAG-0988-FCO40-1207-Policy-on-visas-and-entry-certificates-in-Hong-Kong-1980 — Page 64

Mr Walker, PPD

PANAMA GRADING OF POST

GRA

RESTRICTED

HKCK 345|1

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY NO. 51 2 3 APR 1980

DESK OFFICER

INDEX

No

PA

RSMR

23/4

REGISTRY

Action Taker

22

1.

Miss Marshall (MVD) copied to us, under cover of her minute of 17 April, the previous papers on this subject.

2. It is regrettable that Panama City will cease to be a visa issuing post in view of the amount of business which is done on behalf of Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TLC) has only recently opened an office there and this will no doubt lead to an increase in the flow of Panamanian visitors to Hong Kong. The inability of the Embassy in Panama City to issue visas will irritate both Panamanians and Hong Kong, but this is not in itself a sufficiently strong argument against regrading of the post. However, I see from Miss Marshall's minute of 15 April that in 1979 Panama City issued 647 visas on behalf of other countries. I would have thought that this would have generated sufficient revenue to meet the local staff costs which would enable Panama City to continue as a visa issuing post.

3. On a more general point, it is, perhaps, worth noting that Hong Kong rate Panama of sufficient importance to establish a TDC office there. They clearly take a more bullish view of its commercial potential than we do, although Panama's geographical location was no doubt also a factor. in deciding to open there.

4.

If the final decision is that Panama City should cease to be a visa issuing post, we shall wish to inform Hong Kong at the earliest possible moment of the alternative arrangements.

21 April 1980

P Morrice

Hong Kong and General Department K247

233 4381

RESTRICTED