IMPLICATIONS FOR HMG
SECRET
-21-
DSR 11C
25. For HMG a solution of this sort, evolving over
a period, would post major problems, as follows:
a) Citizenship and Immigration: The status of Hong Kong's
population would have to be settled with China and
the position of Citizens of the United Kingdom
and Colonies (CUKCs) (by then Citizens of the
British Dependent Territories (CBDTS)) agreed.
There are at least 2.6 million of them now;
by 1990 the figure is likely to exceed 3 million.
The PRC does not recognise Hong Kong British
passports. But these provide a very important
psychological link for these people with the
United Kingdom. If this link were cut, it
would be difficult to maintain confidence.
Many
of them would wish to leave and would demand
/permission
SECRET
Dd 0532000 400 M 5/78 HMSO Bracknell