CONFIDENTIAL
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5.
It was agreed that for the moment there should be no change in the present policy and the Governor would say so if he was questioned about the death penalty on his return to Hong Kong. In the meantime, the Legal Advisers would be asked whether the constitutional position of Hong Kong and the other dependencies was so different as to bear a sustainable defense of the present dichotomy of policies.
OVERSEAS STUDENTS ' FEES
6.
Sir M MacLehose said that the Hong Kong Government would continue its loan scheme but would take another look at it as it was not achieving the aim to maintain the number of Hong Kong students coming to the UK. Mr Ridley asked what should be done if further funds became available from HMG to assist students from the dependencies. Sir M MacLehose said that a scheme of assistance to all students would be best and if one was introduced the Hong Kong Government would have to consider whether it should also provide direct assistance. said that any changes could not be implemented for some time.
BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL
7.
Mr Ridley
Mr Ridley said that FCO Ministers would like to see the Gibraltar amendment reversed but he did not yet know, and would not until October, whether this was possible. He asked what would satisfy Hong Kong if the amendment could not be reversed. Sir M MacLehose said the Gibraltar amendment contained a reference to 'the British nationality' of Gibraltarians. It would be logical to compliment this with a reference to the CBDTS from the other dependencies having British Nationality with, if necessary, a qualification that they had no right of entry or abode into the UK. This would meet Hong Kong's desire to be assured not only of their continued British nationality but also of HMG's intention to continue to provide them with protection in third countries.
MACLENNAN INQUIRY
8. Sir M MacLehose explained the background to the Inquiry and said that the Commission's report contained criticisms of the Commissioner of Police, the Attorney-General and Mrs Elsie Elliott. The report would be published next month but the consequent publicity might be continuing when Mr Ridley visited Hong Kong.
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
9.
Sir M MacLehose said that the UK quota was nearly exhausted and it might become very important to Hong Kong for the UK resettlement programme to be seen to be continuing. Mr Ridley explained that the political climate in the UK was firmly against any immigration including refugees from Vietnam. Mr Ford said that he had suggested to the Home Office that the Hong Kong Government might in some way sponsor refugees. It was agreed that Mr Clift would submit on the whole issue to Mr Ridley.
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CONFIDENTIAL