TNAG-2201-FCO40-3156-Hong-Kong-nationality-1990 — Page 46

RESTRICTED

200

Panamanian Government confirmed that many of the Chinese, and in particular those from Hong Kong, had been able to gain Panamanian residence and passports through bribery. A substantial number of the Chinese in this position had already left Panama for the USA, Canada and Hong Kong already. NO mention was made of any intention on the part of the Panamanian Government to try and encourage the departure of other Chinese nationals. Additionally, the Panamanian Government was in the process of re-establishing the national eligibility commission for refugee determination. An appeal system against refusal of political asylum is to be available within that procedure.

9 May 1990

PT DO'Brien

(CL 419

cc: Miss J Cawthorne

-

ISIU, Tn 4

FED

MCAD

✔HKD

NAD

UN depic.

PATAAV

270 4050)