TNAG-1558-FCO40-2122-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 184

1

Endorsement

CONFIDENTIAL

4.

The

endorsement

easiest

in BN (O)

of

these 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

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

that with inclusion

of "bona fide visitor" in endorsement, coupled perhaps with leaflet to be given to BN (O)s explaining exact immigration 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.

difficult

impossible).

to change the

Do not feel that subsidiary Home Office arguments

against endorsement are

are convincing. True that it might be

endorsement (though not

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

i f we explain clearly in pamphlet that the se may be

helpful.

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 given evolution of public opinion, no longer

CONFIDENTIAL