TNAG-2630-FCO40-3821-Future-of-Hong-Kong-nationality-British-National-(Overseas)-1992 — Page 40

ERMENT HOUSE HONG KONG.

TUE 17 NOU 92 09:58

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11

Those who see the BN (0) passport as inferior to the

BDTC passport are likely to urge us to secure equal

international acceptance for the two documents.

Publicity

20.

We will issue a press release emphasising

that the arrangements are to allow those who wish to

register for BN (0) status to do so in good time. We

will also make the point that international acceptance

of BN (O) passports is (with two exceptions) on a par

with BDTC passports, A spokesman will handle

enquiries.

21.

In 1992/93, we will mount a publicity

campaign. Initially, this will comprise a general

announcement explaining why those who wish to do so

need to apply for BN (0) passports in good time. We

will then invite people to come forward in the way

proposed in paragraph 11 and Annex C.

China angle

22.

The proposals will not surprise the Chinese.

when negotiating the British memorandum, we argued

strongly for a grace period after 1 July 1997 in which

we could clear the backlog of applications received

before 30 June. The Chinese rejected this. Our