TNAG-2891-FCO40-4164-Freedom-of-travel-in-the-Hong-Kong-Special-Administrative-Re-1993 — Page 12

370/22

RECEIVED IN DISTRY

26 JUL 1993

DESK OFFICE EX

FA

Hauser un (Pimi/Lin) 15.7.43

2

a Rbundin (thi)

ра

Speaking Note

FRizm. Pihay

Shium CAB

Passport and Travel Documents of the

REC Kong Special Administrative Region Action Taken

Section XIV of Annex I to the Joint Declaration contains provisions to the effect that the Central People's Government shall authorise the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to issue passports of the HKSAR to all Chinese nationals who hold permanent identity cards of the HKSAR, and travel documents of the HKSAR to all other persons lawfully residing in Hong Kong. These provisions are reflected in Article 154 of the Basic

Law.

2.

The HKSAR passport and travel documents will be issued only after 30 June 1997. However the British and Chinese sides will need to conclude their discussions on this subject in good time before that date, so that the

necessary preparations can be made to enable the HKSAR Government to start issuing the HKSAR passport and travel documents immediately from 1 July 1997. We estimate that it may take up to three and a half years to finalise the designs of these documents and to develop a corresponding computer system to support production and record keeping. Early conclusion of

of discussions will also allow details regarding eligibility criteria and application procedures to be publicised in advance, thus helping to avoid potential public confusion. Also, other states and regions will have to be well briefed in advance on the HKSAR passport and travel documents if they are to recognise the documents readily from 1 July 1997.

3.

If proper arrangements are not put in place to allow for the issue of the HKSAR passport and travel documents immediately from 1 July 1997 there is a a danger that the result will be widespread disruption and