TNAG-1559-FCO40-2123-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 191

18.

The FCO explained that BDTCs who wish to travel to China do so on Chinese

documents. But they cannot acquire Chinese passports. The FCO did not think the

Chinese would be receptive to the proposition that Hong Kong Chinese BDTCs should

be able to acquire Chinese passports now, and considered that this would in any case

be confusing to third countries. Nevertheless the FCO agreed to ask Hong Kong the

extent of the demand for Chinese passports.

CONCLUSION

19.

The JCWI did not press their arguments hard. Their view of the nationality

status of non-ethnic Chinese BDTCs clearly remains and will continue to remain

unchanged. But they appeared to accept that progress had been made on other matters,

noteably passport acceptability.

20.

Two points were raised which we undertook to look into.

a)

the question of the entry into Hong Kong of children born

abroad to non-ethnic Chinese parents who have the right of abode

there (action: Home Office)

b)

the possibility of Hong Kong Chinese BDTCs acquiring Chinese

passports (action: FCO).

NTY/85 1/387/8

B4 Division

- 5 -

J P EMERY

19 December 1985