TNAG-1406-FCO40-1881-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 234

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home territory. The Swedes need not fear that in admitting such visa free they would be unable to remove them should the need arise. Indeed most BOCs and British Subjects are returnable somewhere.

We well understand that the Swedes will not easily change their minds especially in regard to BOCs. As you may know, Ministers are committed to securing for the latter the same treatment as for the holders of other British passports. However, if an insistence on equal treatment for BOCs would risk scuttling the case for BDTCs (which in the case of Hong Kong see Boyd's letter under reference seems good) we would have no alternative but to consider either a renewal of the 1968 Understanding or decouple BOCs entirely. The latter would very much be a last resort.

5. It is possible that the Swedes may ask you about the status of British Nationals (Overseas) which category it is intended to run in tandem with Hong Kong BDTCs from 1987 to 1997 and then replace the latter when Hong Kong ceases to be a Dependent Territory. If asked (but you should not initiate discussion) you may say that for the purposes of VAA the status will be the same as BDTC.

You may also say that in due course the Swedes will be given full information about it as they were about the BNA, 1981.

6. You should make it clear that you are fully aware of the contacts between the Swedish and Hong Kong authorities. You may also say that we have approached the Danes on similar lines and their response has been sympathetic. Of course, the latters' final decision depends upon consultation with their fellow members of the Nordic Council. We are also approaching the Norwegians on similar lines.

7. We must, of course, defer to your judgement but we would have thought that the best way to proceed would be to call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and speak on the lines of paragraphs 3, 5 and 6 and then hand over a copy of your speaking note. Chancery will no doubt have views on the question of our approach.

eves.

Yours

Bebfew.

B B Low

Migration and Visa Department

cc:

HKD WIAD WED

Political Adviser, Hong Kong

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