TNAG-1387-FCO40-1835-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1986 — Page 131

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see these facilities of entry beg retained in future when we use the new BN(0) passport; otherwise may I ask what is the point of opting for the new passport then? Her Majesty's Government has repeatedly stated that it will do all that it can to secure, for holders of the new-style British passport, the same access to other countries as that enjoyed at present by holders of BDTC passports. Again I take this beyond all doubt to be a firm commitment on the part of the UK Government to make the strongest representation to third countries, to explain to them this relatively complex arrangement so as to establish international

Only if the recognition for the new-style British passport. BN(0) passport were accepted by third countries soon after its issuance by the Hong Kong Government would eligible residents in

I am Hong Kong be encouraged to come forward to apply for it.

Could we be enlightened afraid nothing short of that would do. then as regards how and what the UK Government will do to promote the acceptance of BN(0) passport in a more detailed manner?

The final point which I will touch on this afternoon is also an area of prime importance. I take it as a fair reading of the Sino-British Joint Declaration and the associated Memorandum that it is the intention of the 2 signatory sovereign states that taking into the historical background of Hong Kong, residents who at present are entitled to hold BDTC passports will in future be entitled to use BN(0) passports as a travelling document in addition to the one issued by the future Hong Kong SAR Government. It would definitely help to dispel unnecessary suspicion concerning the entitlement to concurrently hold both types of passports if this could be confirmed in due course by

This, I believe, will both the UK and the Chinese Governments.

go a long way in easing the minds of those eligible to take up the new-style British passports.

C