*1987-09-14 17:57
COMMS. OFFICE (GOV'T HSE)
852 5 845 0995
P.08
BN(0) Passport
Ok, Lud
our live in
punchner!
Background
BN(0) came into effect on 1 July. Concern over validity of BN(0) passport in August as some HK travel agents reported to be unable to obtain visas for BN(0) passport holders from Thai Consulate in HK. Issue died down after Thailand announced on 17 August its recognition of new passport and Singapore and Malaysia indicated that they accepted travel document. Revived skepticism about value of BN (0). Requests for other countries to support BN(0). Media may recall and raise questions on the winding-up speech in Parliament in May 1986.
Possible Areas of Interest to Media
(A) Validity of BN(0) passport
Line to Taket, Have conducted intensive diplomatic campaign to explain background of status of BN (0). Have drawn. attention to fact that British passports in that status available from 1 July 1997, and have handed over specimen copies explaining various endorsements which will help make the passport effective travel document both before and after 1997. Have also made it clear that arrangements are in full knowledge and understanding of Chinese Government. Response overwhelmingly positive. No foreign or Commonwealth government has said it would not accept for entry travellers holding BN(0) passports. Many have made publicly known in HK that new passport is acceptable. Every reason to believe BN(0) passport holders will be able to travel widely and freely as they were previously with BDTC passports. British Government will continue to monitor reactions carefully, and will make every effort to ensure that arrangements work smoothly. BN (0) passport one of consequences of Joint Declaration. BDTC passport no longer valid for HK people after 1997 and BN(0) passport must take over for those wishing to use British travel document beyond 1997.
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