TNAG-1026-FCO40-1276-Visit-by-Lord-Carrington--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-1981 — Page 57

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Reference

87

Mr Morrice

CONFIDENTIAL

CHINESE VISA OFFICE IN HONG KONG

1.

AKK 026/2

RECETA¿® 16 REGISTRY NO. 51 14 APR 1981

DECK OFFICER INDEX

PA

No

£1.4.

REGISTRY Action Taken

Ah231

Sir E Youde discussed this with the Governor and during the Secretary of State's visit to Hong Kong. He pressed Hong Kong to consider whether arrangements should not be made to obtain legal authority for the privileges which the Chinese were seeking. He stressed that it would be unwise to irritate the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Peking too far when we had other delicate business to do with them including problems over the future.

2.

The main objection to action on the Visa Office came from Sir J Cater, who saw it as a dangerous step likely to appear as the prelude to a special representative. The Governor had some sympathy with Sir J Cater's views but has agreed that Hong Kong will consider what form of legislation would be needed in order to provide the privileges for which the Chinese have asked. They will consider also what interpretation would be placed on such legislation if it were enacted and also in what form we should ensure that the undertakings given by the Assistant Foreign Minister Song Zhinguang might be interpreted in any agreement (Peking telegram No 26 of 3 April to Hong Kong).

The ball is now in Hong Kong's court. They will report when they have considered.

3.

13 April 1981

风

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

Coor

10 77

сс MVD

FED

CONFIDENTIAL