TNAG-1281-FCO40-1632-Chinese-visa-office-in-Hong-Kong-1983 — Page 187

4.

Similarly, in civil proceedings (to which the Hong

Kong Government would probably not be a party) it is remotely

possible that failure to comply with a court order could

result in the defaulter being in contempt of court, for

which the ultimate sanction could be committal to prison.

If such a situation arose, principles of common law dictate

that the administration could not interfere with the

exercise of the court's power.

5. The above arrangements for the proposed Visa Office in

Hong Kong are based on the understanding that:

a. it will be known as the Hong Kong Visa Office

of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's

Republic of China;

b. it will not be a representative office of

the Government of the People's Republic of China

and its functions will be restricted to the issue

of visas.

BRITI

BRITISH EMBASSY

PEKING

19 June 1981

PEKING