TNAG-1408-FCO40-1883-Future-of-Hong-Kong-passports-and-visas-1985 — Page 26

A

CODE 18-77

AWO Ltd. 7/84

CONFIDENTIAL

Reference...

Haga A, B, Dym...

HK3 AFO

365)

Mr Layden

A few suggested douges. Un Hyke's letter of 2 December, now attache

Mr Galsworthy

below the draps, has been taken into account.

Rayde 4/11

PASSPORTS

349

1. We need to reply to Hong Kong telno 2661.

2. I am afraid I do not agree at all with Hong Kong's arguments either on the introduction of the Common Format Passport (CFP) lookalike for BN (0)s or on the subject of free replacements for old-style passports.

CF P.

in fact we until the

ECD (I) and

3. It is clear that they have not grasped the importance of our declared commitment to our European Community partners on the This is a very sensitive issue in the EC and Ministers are very concerned in case we are accused of going back on our promise to introduce the CFP in 1987. The special issue of 500 CFPS in 1987 is an attempt to head off critici sm will not be ready to introduce the CFP

CFP properly following year and even then spread over 2 years. the Passport Office are trying to avoid doing anything which could give rise to speculation on this topic and in particular are strongly against the introduction of the CFP look-alike for BN (0)s before the CFP itself is properly introduced. HMG would be severely embarrassed if it were thought in the community that we had introduced the look-alike in 1987 but not the CFP itself as would soon become glaringly obvious. We should not take this chance and therefore I recommend that we refuse Hong Kong's request.

w

4. Hong Kong's argument in favour of free replacement of BN (0) passports when the new format comes into effect seems to be based on the false premise that it will be a matter of necessity for people to switch to the new format. This could not be further from the truth. There will be no obligation at all on people to either apply for the old format or if they have done So, to change immediately to the new format when that is introduced. Both formats will be equally valid, indeed for years there will be millions more of the old format British passport still in circulation than the new. So anyone who wished to change to the new format before his old-style passport had expired would be taking this unnecessary step on a purely voluntary basis. In fact, from Hong Kong's point of view, I can see advantages in BN (O) s retaining the traditional blue hard-cover British passport which every one knows well until other countries have got used to seeing the new format document. Also we wish to avoid any hint that the introduction of the new format (for all British nationals not just for BN (0)s)

in some way devalues the old. An agreement on the principle of free replacement for BN (0)s would by implication, confirm this to be so and

be may

accompanied by strong pressure treatment for all British nationals. expensive.

CONFIDENTIAL

for This could

ник

similar be very

040128

RECEIVED IN REGISTRY

12 DEC 1985

DESK OFFICER

INDE.

PA

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