TNAG-1383-FCO40-1831-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1985 — Page 245

CONFIDENTIAL

PASSPORTS

[References:

I:

J:

K:

L:

M:

14.

Proposed draft tel to Hong Kong

Jim Nicholson's letter of 17 June

Hong Kong telno 980

EXCO Memorandum XCC (85) 54

Galsworthy's letter of 6 June on

letter of 6 June on International acceptance of BNU (0) passports]

Large degree of agreement with Hong Kong

CONCURRENT HOLDING OF BN (O) AND BDTC PASSPORTS

15.

Agree cannot accept Hong Kong proposal that this is necessary

for visas.

11

PASSPORT FORMAT

16. If no mrp/cfp by 1986 will need to start with blue cover BN (O)

passports. Appreciate wider context but need to decide soon on

format both for blue cover and burgundy passports. As lookalike -as

possible. Need to make BN (O) passports as attractive as possible.

For instance even if it is not

if it is not possible to have "British Passport"

on cover of burgundy, would it be possible on cover of blue? Hong

Kong attach great importance to no endorsement on immigration status

in passport.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

17. Proposed to Hong Kong that we follow same approach as with

BNA(1981). Issue ciculars adding BN (O) to existing lists after

Order in Council, but before passports issued. May be difficulties when some VAAS are renewed, because BN (O) s right of abode not in

country of nationality.

PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES

18. Grateful for briefing on this from Home Office and NTD (raised

in Nicholson's letter). What financial consequences will there be?

CUT OFF DATES

19.

Set these later when level of demand more apparent.

CONFIDENTIAL