TNAG-1097-FCO40-1347-Chinese-visa-office-in-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 145

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the best that could be made within the Governor's powers and

should enable the Visa Office to function effectively. But the

Governor could not in the matter of diplomatic immunity give

a 100% guarantee as private individuals could take action

through the courts. The Governor of Hong Kong had done his

best and had asked for his position to be understood. Sir

Edward Youde then said that salaries of Chinese officials could

be exempt from tax but other exemptions could not be granted without legislation. To pass legislation would attract

attention to the Visa Office and would cause the Governor and

the Chinese difficulty. If it was intended to establish a Consulate then there would be no problems but we were all agreed

that this was not what was being done. He added that the

Chinese request would be conveyed to the Governor.

25. Lord Carrington asked if it was impossible to operate a Visa Office without diplomatic immunity. Song replied that it was

it an official office and was natural that it should enjoy immunity.

Huang Hua said that during the period of the Kuomintang Government, an office of Guangxi and Guangdong provinces had been set up in Hong Kong. This was closed on the founding of the People's

Republic of China.

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But the Chinese request was not to repeat

the past but to set up a Visa Office without other responsibilities. Huang Hua hoped that Britain would take this into consideration

as it would make the issue of visas easier for both sides. Lord

Carrington said that we would do our best to find a solution

to the problem.

Ministerial Visits

26. Lord Carrington said that the British Prime Minister gladly

accepted the invitation to visit China at a date to be agreed upon in 1982. Lord Carrington also asked whether Huang Hua would pay another visit to London. Huang Hua welcomed this,

and added that the Prime Minister's acceptance of the Chinese invitation should be passed on when Lord Carrington called on Premier Zhao Ziyang.

27.

The meeting concluded at 1105.

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