TNAG-1557-FCO40-2121-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 87

Endorsement

CONFIDENTIAL

4.

The

easiest

of

in BN (O)

endorsement

the se points to meet probably the passports. Original LegCo proposal

clearly ou t of the question because BDTCS/BN (O) s do not

have the right to land in the UK. But can we consider a

different wording which not open to this objection? New

EXCO proposal ("The holder of this passport does not

require an entry certificate or a visa to enter the UK as a

bona fide visitor") might be easier, because of clear implication of duty of immigration officer to check bona

fide status.

5.

We agree that we should not put a misleading endorsement in passport. But believe that with inclusion of "bona fide visitor" in endorsement, coupled perhaps with leaflet to be given to BN (O) s explaining exact inmigration status of BDTCs/BN (O)s would not necessarily be misleading. Believe we should try if at all possible to meet Hong Kong on this point.

6.

Do not feel that subsidiary Home Office arguments against endorsement are convincing. True that it might be

difficult to change the endorsement (though not impossible).

But have given assurances no visa/EC requirement to be imposed on BN (O)s. Endorsement would not

necessarily discourage people from using entry certificates

if we explain clearly in pamphlet that these пау

helpful.

be

Indians

7.

Hong Kong Government have now supported Unofficials'

view that non-Chinese BDTCs should be given full British citizenship if otherwise stateless, and have given strong

advice that

evolution of public opinion, no longer

given

CONFIDENTIAL