TNAG-1568-FCO40-2134-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-and-passports-Hong-Kong-(Br-1986 — Page 245

agreed. //

not

Grecessy Kolegin. to pre-printing

CONFIDENTIAL

Mr J Nicholson, Passport Department

cc: Mr Manchip, Immigration Service

Mr Fries) Home Office

Mr Lyon)

Mr Smith, HKD, FCO

Reference... GNN 340/393/1.....

Mr.

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our view?

Is this consistent with o

Поби

is;

7827% para 3 is

para 4 is not. We maintain that only the Naty. Status need be

pre-stamped.

BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) (BN(O)) PASSPORTS ISSUED IN HONG KONG

1.

In your minute of 17 June to Mr Manchip you raised the question of the security of blank consular series passports to be sent to Hong Kong via the Crown Agents for the purpose of issue to BN (0)s after 30.6.87.

2.

We are concerned that proper safeguards be placed on the unprecedented large volumes of 'C' series passports which we propose to consign to the care and control of the Hong Kong Government. BN(0) passports will be issued under the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary's prerogative and so I do not feel that we need be too greatly influenced by the susceptibilities of the Hong Kong passport- issuing authorities in this matter.

3. We should therefore like to see the blanks pre-stamped with the BN(0) national status, until the look-alike is introduced and thus precludes (and to an extent obviates) this measure. Hong Kong Department will let us know if there is likely to be any Chinese objection to this, which we would have thought most unlikely; if the Hong Kong Government raise objections we can say that we have never before charged an overseas post or other authority with the safe- keeping of such a large number of passports and we must therefore minimise any possibility that they will be used for purposes other than the sole one intended, i.e. issue to BN (0)s, unlike those held by consular posts which are for issue to various categories of British nationals.

4. We agree that the visa endorsement should also be pre-stamped or pre-printed, but in view of the Chinese insistence that the ROA endorsement should not be pre-printed, it would perhaps be better not to pre-print the former endorsement; pre-stamping seems therefore to be indicated.

CODE 18-77 AWO Ltd.

7/84

25 June 1986

Mr. Ibitt

We have recorded ow view, but we'd

better keep

this

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RECEIVE

HKK 340/1

EGISTRY

3 1 JUL 1986

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PA

MEISTRY

Action Taken