TNAG-2950-FCO40-4227-Hong-Kong-visa-free-travel-for-British-Nationals-(Overseas)--1993 — Page 35

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give us time to prepare some damage limitation.

5. On the broader implications, there is no doubt that EC member countries (and others) are concerned about visa free access for Hong Kong residents after 1997. We anticipate pressure to include Hong Kong on an EC Common Visa list, once this is introduced, possibly led by the French (who already have a visa regime for Hong Kong residents).

6.

Under Article 100C of the Maastricht Treaty, competence for establishing which countries should appear on the EC Common Visa List will pass to the Commission on ratification of the Treaty by all member states. Initially any expansion of the Common Visa List will need to be passed by unanimous voting which we can block but we shall lose the power of veto on 1 January 1996, after which time decisions will be based on Qualified Majority Voting.

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7. In the meantime there is nothing to prevent individual countries imposing visa regimes. Of the 9 Schengen States, France and Denmark already have visa regimes on Hong Kong. The note verbale informing us that the Spanish Government is following suit claims that their action is taken under the provisions of the Schengen agreement, implying that other Schengen states will follow suit.

8. Hong Kong residents travelling on British passports will become increasingly sensitive about their treatment as 1997 approaches. We should consider urgently with other departments what we can do to maintain the level of access which they now have and to prevent further erosion.

Neborah Buanes Joven

Deborah Barnes Jones

Hong Kong Department WH312

Ext: 270-2068

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