TNAG-1560-FCO40-2124-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 164

2 -

11.

People not familiar with Hong Kong might wonder why we are so

sensitive and concerned when discussing travel documents. I had the

chance to mention to two of Mr. CHI Peng-fei's delegation recently that

more than one third of Hong Kong's population already possess one form

or another of a valid international travel document, and there are more

than 1 million international departures from Hong Kong every year,

which is why travel documents is a subject close to many people's

hearts. As a comparison, I was informed that in the world's most

developed travelling nation the United States, less than 10% of the

population actually holds a passport! No wonder we call ourselves an

international city.

12.

Although the British National (Overseas) Passport is a UK

travel document, like the way it takes two to Tango, the BN (0) Passport

takes two countries to make it meaningful, that is in addition to

Britain issuing and selling the passport to third countries, it needs

China's co-operation to allow the right of abode in Hong Kong to be

clearly stated. I have also already said a lot on this in October

which does not need repetition, but I hope this problem can be

successfully solved by the next Joint Liaison Group meeting this

Spring.