CONFIDENTIAL
UNGA SEPTEMBER 1993 SPEAKING NOTE:
SECRETARY OF STATE/SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER
HONG KONG/SPAIN: SPANISH VISA REGIME FOR BDTCS AND BN (0)S
BACKGROUND
1.
The Spaniards informed us in August about the reimposition from 1 October of a visa regime for Hong Kong travellers - British Dependent Territory Citizens and British Nationals (Overseas) (BDTCs and BNOs). This regime replaces arrangements now in force under which Spanish immigration authorities waive visas for tourist and business visitors coming to the country for less than 30 days.
2.
The Spaniards attributed the changes to obligations under the Schengen Convention. We have followed up with the Schengen Secretariat - they say there is no Schengen generated pressure for the Spaniards to take this step at this time. They also revealed that Spanish representatives had attempted to persuade other countries to take similar measures at a recent meeting of the Schengen visa group. This is unnecessary and unhelpful.
3.
News about the Spanish visa regime has been received with consternation in Hong Kong. Members of the Legislative Council were concerned that other countries would follow suit and that Hong Kong residents would find their freedom of movement severely curtailed. (We have been able to allay their fears on this count apart from Spain none of the European countries now allowing visa free access for Hong Kongers have plans to change arrangements in the immediate future).
4.
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The Spanish measure coincided with a publicity campaign in Hong Kong to introduce the phased registration programme for BN (0). There were already fears that the BN (O) passport was in some sense second class and the Spanish move is being confused in the public mind with this exercise and with fears about travel outside Hong Kong in the future.
5.
We have made representations to the Spaniards in Hong Kong, Madrid and - at Political Director level in Brussels. They have refused to budge. Since none of Spain's Schengen partners intend to follow the Spanish example, Hong Kong consider that the Spanish decision will not do major damange to Hong Kong interests. But community sensitivity about the general issue of visa restrictions remains high and we are under pressure from LegCo and from the Governor to show that we have done everything possible to change the Spanish mind.
sosun.VISA.dbj
CONFIDENTIAL
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