TNAG-1405-FCO40-1880-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 234

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f) It was thought that a false declaration on the new status passport application form would invoke penalties under both passport and nationality regulations.

g) Mr Kuo was asked how Hong Kong would cope with the additional passport work. He said it would be difficult and would not be made easier by the expected increase in naturalisation applications. Their naturalisation procedures were very cumbersome and would have to be streamlined.

h) Mr Emery said Mr Hyde expected to be able to submit to Ministers before the second reading of the Hong Kong Bill, summarising all the administrative arrangements to be effected prior to 1 July 1997. Mr Emery would tell him this was impossible.

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i) Mr Emery mentioned privately that the Foreign Secretary and the Home Secretary had agreed to the proposed title 'British national: special status. Mr Kuo was told only that the Chinese had objected to 'British national: Hong Kong.'

j) At Mr Kuo's request, the Passport Department will send him a telegram summarising the questions raised with him at the meeting. Draft to be cleared with NTD.

7 January 1985

Alan

A R Kaye