TNAG-1407-FCO40-1882-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 116

CODE 18-77

CONFIDENTIAL

Miss Stella Kaye, Consular Dept

Reference..

FILE

SKLAFA

254

BRITISH NATIONALS (OVERSEAS): REPATRIATION

1. We spoke. The attached telegram from Hong Kong asks us to confirm that the same repatriation arrangements currently applying to Hong Kong BDTCs will apply to BN(0)s up to 1 July 1997 and that after that date BN(0)s will continue

to be dealt with as before.

2.

I imagine that the answer for the period up to 1 July 1997 will be that the same arrangements will indeed apply. BN(0)s will be British nationals who till retain that status for life and who in any case, until 1 July 1997, will be Hong Kong BDTCS as well. But what will the policy be after 1 July 1997 when Hong Kong is restored to Chinese sovereignty?

3.

as

We will be offering consular protection in third countries to BN(0)s from the introduction of the status on 1 July 1987. The fact that BN(0)s will be entitled to British consular protection is likely to be one of our key arguments when trying to persuade other countries to accept BN(0) passports and to afford BN(0)s the

afford BN(0)s the same entry

same entry facilities BDTCS.

It will be very difficult if

if not impossible to succeed in our aim of ensuring world-wide acceptance if the consular protection we offer to BN(0)s does not include a facility for repatriation to Hong Kong both before and after the restoration of Chinese sovereignty.

4.

Grateful for your comments to enable us to reply to

Hong Kong.

=

6 November 1985

A.&. Kaye NTD, FLO

Aeraye

M T Hill

Hong Kong Department

JP Emery, Nationality 14 Division Home Off is

ол

HKK 040/28

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

1.

- 7 NOV 1985

REGISTRY

von Taken

CONFIDENTIAL