SECOND LARGEST GROUP IN THE CONSULAR LIST. WE REMAIN ANXIOUS TO AVOID THIS. THE REASON GIVEN IN PARA 2 OF TUR REMAINS VALID AND OUR EARLIER PROPOSAL STANDS).
3. WE SUPPORT PETER THOMSON'S ASSESSMENT THAT THE AGREEMENT IS FULL AND WORKING WELL. SUBJECT TO YOUR VIEWS, WE SHOULD BE VERY HAPPY FOR THE EMBASSY TO SPEAK TO CHEN AGAIN IN DUE COURSE, MAINTAINING OUR EARLIER POSITION AND DRAWING ON THE POINTS IN PARA 2 ABOVE OTHER THAN THE BACKGROUND ONES. TO ACCEDE TO THE MFA'S REQUESTS WILL DO LITTLE MORE THAN BOOST THE SOCIAL STANDING OF VISA OFFICE. THIS, AS EXPRESSED IN PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES, ALREADY EXCEEDS THE STANDING OF THE CONSULAR CORPS. WE CAN SEE NO WAY IN WHICH MEETING THE CHINESE POINTS WOULD CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TO THE 'GOOD WORKING OF THE VISA OFFICE. INCIDENTALLY, THE FULL TITLE OF THE VISA OFFICE SHEDS DOUBT ON THE CHINESE STATEMENT THAT IT IS NOT A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE OF THE PRC GOVERNMENT. ITS LETTER HEAD SHOWS: VISA OFFICE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA
IN HONG KONG''
SIGNED: J.D.I. BOYD.
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