TNAG-1018-FCO40-1268-Relations-between-the-UK--Hong-Kong-and-Taiwan-1981 — Page 7

CONFIDENTIAL

relations with Peking if the presence of private visitors from Taiwan at official reception were to lead to publicity. If it seems likely that the exclusion of private visitors in Taiwan from an official reception would cause serious embarrassment the matte should be referred at an early stage to FED.

ATTENDANCE BY PRIVATE

VISITORS

FROM TAIWAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AND FUNCTIONS IN THE UK

AT NON -OFFICIAL

17. Although the Chinese could take exception to the presence of private visitors from Taiwan (or representatives of p-u-statal organisations in Taiwan) at international conferences and functions in the UK (eg Trades Uon meetings, educational fora) it would be difficult to refuse applications for visas (see paragraph 14 above). It is therefore our policy to advise the Home Office to grant visas provided that a warnin is given to the applicants not to engage, while in the UK, in any activity likely to cause embarrassment to HMG. (In regard to official receptions for such conferences or functions the considerations in paragraph 16(b) apply.) FED consider each case on its merits before advising the Home Office.

VISITS BY TAIWANESE TO HONG KONG

18. The position is oroadly similar to that in the UK. However, because of Hong Kong's special position, the People's Republic of China remains particularly sensitive to provocative behaviour by Taiwan visitors to Hong Kong, such as displays of the 'Republic of China' flag by sports teams or delegations, or claims to represent the 'Republic of China'.

19. Posts which receive applications for Hong Kong visas should be on the lookout for Taiwanese who may e ploit their stay for political purposes and should report their suspicions to the Immigration Department Hong Kong. Transit visas may be issued to members of teams or delegations without re.erence to Hong Kong, subject to the normal regulations in DSP Volume 52, provided that a warni is given to the a plicants not to engage, while in Hong Kong, in any activity likely to cause embarrassment to HMG or to the Hong Kong Government.

CONTACTS BY GOVERNMENT SERVANTS WITH NATIONALIST OFFICIALS IN THIRD COUNTRIES

20. Occasions ma arise, for example in the few countries which still maintain diplomatic relations with the R public of China', where British government servants attend receptions at which Nationalist officials are also present. (Such occasions have become increasingly rare in recent years as more and more countries have transferred their diplomatic representation to Peking.) The general principles gov rning the attitude to be adopted towards representatives of territories which we do not recognise is states or with which we have no diplomatic relations (including instances where they are Dean the local Diplomatic Corps) are laid down in Chapter 11 of Volume 75 of DSP (copy at Anne 3). In brief, Butish government servants should aim to treat Nationalist officials with no moi than the couries/ consistent with normal social usage and avoid being drawn into substantive disc ons. They should not of course accept official invitations from employees of the Nationalist aut orities. If necessary FED should be consulted.

CORRESPONDENCI WITH PERSONS OR ENTITIES IN TAIWAN

21.

Government epartments should in general be guided by FCO practice which is:

(a)

t

not reply directly to correspondence from Taiwan, even if it emanates from a body which does not p irport to be a state or governmental organ. This is to avoid ther that a response from the FCO might be exploited as 'evidence' of some

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