§ 38. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why British citizens visiting the United States of America have to obtain a visa while United States citizens visiting Britain do not; and if, in view of the special ties which exist between the British Commonwealth and the United States of America, he will make representations to have this requirement abolished.
§ Mr. NuttingThe abolition in 1948 of the visa requirements for United States citizens coming to this country was a unilateral act on the part of the United Kingdom Government. The United States Government responded by waiving their visa charges for United Kingdom visitors to the United States and by doubling the period of validity of the visas.
I am informed that the immigration laws of the United States do, not permit the United States Government to enter into visa abolition agreements with other countries. In the circumstances, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by making representations.