TNAG-1387-FCO40-1835-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-citizenship-1986 — Page 49

DEC 04 '85 18:59 GIS HK

SWAINE

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in the UK, and will not carry any right of abode in Hong Kong because that will be governed by Annex I Article XIV of the Joint Declaration. Right of abode in Hong Kong will then be evidenced by a permanent identity card to be issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

The dilemma that this poses has just been resolved by the news that Britain and China have agreed in principle to the form of endorsement on the BN(0) passport that the holder possesses a Hong Kong permanent identity card which states the

It remains for Britain now to right of abode in Hong Kong. ensure the international acceptability of the new passport with this endorsement ease of travel is, of course, essential to maintain Hong Kong's prosperity and way of life.

There is

:

one facet of international

acceptability which lies entirely within the power of the British Government. Surely it is not beyond the wit of man to devise a system of recognition of this BN(0) passport so that it is automatically good for travel to the UK without the need for specific permission on each occasion or for a certificate of entry. I had suggested an automatic permission to land endorsement in my speech during the policy debate one week ago. If that presents a technical difficulty (as to which I am not convinced) then could not another method be devised which would be technically acceptable and which would obviate the procedures | under the Immigration Rules before leave to enter is given. important thing is for Britain to set the lead in giving to the

Britain, new passport the stamp of international acceptability.

The

I fear, is rapidly losing the battle for the minds and hearts of Hong Kong people it is not too late even now for some measure of goodwill to be regained.

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