TNAG-1097-FCO40-1347-Chinese-visa-office-in-Hong-Kong-1982 — Page 156

Mr McLaren FED

CONFIDENTIAL

INULK

مثل

ник 3491

2 6 MAR 1981

$1

116

16.4

fin ibly

Hkie 34513

1981

HONG KONG VISA POLICY

1.

We are in the Peking Telegram No 14 to Hong Kong attached. first instance awaiting Hong Kong's reply. However, Mr Donald has suggested that this problem should be considered in the round, together with the stalemate over the Chinese Visa Office in Hong Kong.

2.

His thought is that if it were possible to establish

a Hong Kong Visa Office in Peking (presumably separate from the Embassy) it might then be feasible to negotiate acceptable reciprocal privileges for both offices. The Hong Kong authorities might find it easier to arrange legislation for special treatment for the Chinese Visa Office, if they had their own office in Peking.

3.

You may like to discuss this with Dr Wilson in Hong Kong. It looks to me a possible starter although I realise that:

a) there could be practical accommodation problems in Peking (eg in getting space in an hotel);

b) the Chinese might baulk at 'diplomatic1 privileges

for a Hong Kong office, even reciprocally.

26 March 1981

сс

Mr Donald

MVD

R D Clift

Hong Kong and General Department

CONFIDENTIAL

noted play

27/3

weeks

зи

J 26.3.