A
CODE 18-77
Mr Paul
Tel out
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CONFIDENTIAL
"ju28/6
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191
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16 JUL 1991
DESK OFFICER
INDEX
PA
NATIONALITY SCHEME: FIRST REGISTRATIONS
1.
As agreed, I discussed Mr Page's minute of 25 June with Mrs Kellas, Home Office to discover if she had any explanation for the disparity between Mr Page's information that some passports had already been issued to nationality scheme beneficiaries, and Hong Kong Government's press release of 24 June which stated that the first batch of certificates would be issued around the middle of July.
2. She said that Mr Page had minuted subsequently on this point. He said that all of the first 286 beneficiaries registered to date were from the Sensitive Service Class. The Hong Kong Government press release related to the first batch of successful applicants from all four classes. Apparently Mr Page has told HKID that if they wish to be "economical with the truth" that is their business but, if asked, Mr Page intends to say how many have been registered, (although he does not, of course, intend to reveal that they are all from the Sensitive Service Class).
3. I can only imagine that HKID wish to mask the SSC beneficiaries within a total figure for all four classes, although why they should believe this is necessary, given that the names will not be made public, is not altogether clear. I told Mrs Kellas that there may indeed be some security reasoning behind HKID's decision which would justify their reticence. I said I would consult and let her know whether Mr Page should adopt HKID's line to take.
4. I think we need advice from Hong Kong and I attach a draft telegram for your consideration.
Jhoni
JC Morris
WH312
270 2068
28 June 1991
DAWAIS VAS
CONFIDENTIAL
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