CONFIDENTIAL
MEETING WITH UMELCO: ESSENTIAL FACTS
MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT
1. (See Brief No 7).
NATIONALITY ACT
2.
UMELCO angry about final stages of Nationality Bill, which they
saw generally as attempt by UK to close door against them. Bill
important because British nationality is most obvious personal
identification with UK. They preferred no change at all from present
arrangements. Particularly upset by acceptance by HMG of Gibraltar
amendment and rejection of British National amendment stating that
British Citizens, British Dependent Territories' Citizens (BDTCs)
and British Overseas Citizens were British Nationals. HMG opposed
amendment because they considered it would have led to confusion.
3. Passing of Act has left some bruises and strained relations.
Time to try and heal wounds. Governor has been in isolated and
difficult position. Appreciation of his role to UMELCO could
help (See Brief No 5).
f
OVERSEAS STUDENTS FEES
4.
Decision to charge overseas students full fees has been
resented in Hong Kong. Many students used to come here for
secondary and university education but numbers greatly reduced
since 1979. Hong Kong Government consider British connection
important enough to start loan scheme for students. These funds
were approved by Unofficials. Whole problem being considered by
Overseas Student Trust which is expected to report in 1982.
(See Brief No 6).
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
5. UMELCO will want to know why UK quota of 10,000 cannot be
extended. Home Secretary and Secretary of State consider it is
politically impossible (See Brief No 8).
/IMMIGRATION
CONFIDENTIAL