TNAG-1406-FCO40-1881-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 108

PASSPORT QUESTIONS ARISING FROM THE ISSUE OF BN (0) PASSPORTS

1. Besides the question of entitlement to a passport referred to in

the main submission, the issuing of BN (0) passports raises a number

of passport, policy issues of which Ministers should be aware.

i

Resposibility for Issue

2. The main brief indicates that passports are issued under the

Royal Prerogative. In Hong Kong this is exercised by the Governor.

While continuing to exercise this discretion for BDTC passports the

intention is that for the issue of BN (0) passports he will act as

agent of the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary, FCO officials have

yet to go to their Secretary of State on this but they believe that

all that is required is a letter of authority from the Foreign and

Commonwealth Secretary to the Governor. This arrangement means that

references to the Governor on the passport which would not be

appropriate beyond 30 June 1997 are removed. It also aids

international recognition of the passport since those issued before

and after that date would be in the same style.

Role of UK Passport Offices and of Consular Posts Overseas

3. While the great bulk of passport issuing will be dealt with in

Hong Kong, it is intended that passport offices and consular posts

should be able to receive applications for BN (0) passports and