TNAG-1405-FCO40-1880-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 124

CONFIDENTIAL

our

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

sregessed amendments are fuller.

(i)

The Minute

3.

In the concluding sentence of paragraph 4 the word 'citizens' should be replaced by the word 'nationals'.

In paragraph 5 at the end of line 4 insert 'European markings including the' between 'except that the' and

'words

At the end of that sentence after

'omitted.' insert an additional sentence saying; 'Passports issued in Dependent Territories (other than Falkland Islands) would additionally be distinguished by having the name of the Dependent Territory on the front cover in lieu of 'United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland'.'

1

In paragraph 9 line 6 after the words 'European Community insert from the cover of the passport'.

1

On the second page of paragraph 10 omit the sentence

'The decision would cut across

and reside here).' The argument in regard to the Government's responsibility is clear without this sentence. At the foot of the same page on the last line substitute 'with effect from 1987' for the words 'after 1997'. In the same paragraph delete the words 'and limited to the span of a generation'.

In paragraph 11 line 4 after 'until' insert 'well after'. This is because the progressive phasing in of the CFP, and the CFP style passports, means that traditional passports will continue to be issued with ten year validity for some time after 1987.

There will be some consequential amendments to the draft minute from the Secretary of State. I also feel that we should avoid the detailed repetition in paragraph 5 of the considerations set out in paragraph 2. And it is a fact rather than sentiment that all British nationals are equally entitled to protection. Tactically, however, it might be better to acknowledge that the EC resolution does allow us to issue full common format passports to all our nationals and thus present our decision to adopt instead a CFP type without European markings in a more positive way. I have therefore attempted a recasting of the minute to the Home Secretary which I attach for consideration.

4.

I am content that you should continue to submit at this stage, but would be happy to do so myself if you prefer. If we can agree a submission on the basis of this minuting, a meeting would not appear to be necessary: but I should be happy to attend one if required.

8 May 1985

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CONFIDENTIAL

цве

D W Partridge

Nationality & Treaty Department