TNAG-1632-FCO40-2248-Ministerial-visits-from-the-UK-to-Hong-Kong--including-visit-1987 — Page 63

FARADD

VISIT TO HONG KONG BY LORD GLENARTHUR, 16-19 SEPTEMBER

BRIEF NO 11: NATIONALITY AND RELATED ISSUES

[No points to Make with the Governor or ExCol

Points to Make with OMELCO and others (Defensive purposes only)

BN (0) Passports

1.

HMG's exercise to explain BN (O) status and introduction of passport extensive and very carefully prepared.

2.

Result: many governments have declared publicly their acceptance of passport; none has said will not accept.

3.

An ordinary British passport which people will find enables them to travel widely and freely. Sure many have already.

4.

In

Still at early stage in introduction of new passport. some cases governments may be a little slow in giving instructions to Embassies/Consulates. Unfortunate, but an aspect of bureaucracy

such short term problems do not mean passport invalid.

5.

Not possible for HMG to make formal statement on behalf of other countries in relation to BN (0) passports.

New ID Cards

87.

6.

HKG introduced change of format from 1 July to ensure that ID

cards can remain in use after 1997. Sensible transitional measure,

agreed with Chinese Government.

7.

Nothing to do with nationality.

ID cards reflect holders'

immigration status, have no bearing on nationality status. Immigration a matter for HKG alone.