Dear Sir,
7th October, 1982.
"MODIFICATION OF NATIONAL ACT."
The Hong Kong Community is glad to learn that the U.K. is ready to yield to changes of the Nationality Act. This possible change of heart follows strong and constant lobbying by both the Hong Kong Government and Unofficial members of the Executive and
There is now talk in Government circles Legislative Councils.
that a new description stressing the Britishness of the 2 million Hong Kong Passport holders may be included in the travel documents as from next year. This change is very important to British Subjects of Hong Kong, otherwise, if the New Amendments of the Act is passed, Hong Kong Passport holders will only become "British Dependent Territory Citizens, "if the Hong Kong Passport holders of British Passports should be classified and stressed as: "British Subject Citizens, of the U.K., this will no doubt foster the support of the community towards the Hong Kong Government and to cement friendships between Hong Kong and the U.K.
11
The possible change of the description "British Dependent Territory Citizens" of the U.K. might perhaps be half good and half bad. "British Subject Citizens 2 of the U.K. is the best. Particularly for those who became British Subjects by naturalization should have In order to restore trust priority according to International Law.
to U.K. principles and justice something should be done in the right time. This issue is so important to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. Some of my humble views in respect of limiting immigrants to the U.K. are:-
1).
2).
3
4
People who have resided in Hong Kong for over a period of 25 years, and those who became British Subjects by
naturalization.
Educated and knowledgeable and skillful personnels.
Wealthy people, who will not rely for subsistence from the U.K. Other categories as recommended and specified by the Hong Kong Government.
By the above foregoing points, the estimated immigrants
Indirect methods would be for the U.K. will not exceed 300,000. to arrange with Australia and New Zealand to admit Hong Kong persons to become residents of their lands. Some Commonwealth Countries have even allowed Vietnamese Refugees to reside and become citizens so why should Hong Kong be exceptional? Now that the community of H.K. is faced with the problem of 1997 and people quivering on the brink of panic, crest-fallen, why should more worries of a National
Should not the U.K. boost their Act be piled on their shoulders? morale by injecting some glad tidings as a Christmas Present, that the Act will surely be modified, to show their Britishness and that the U.K. has not forsaken them for their labours, patience, skill and dexterity to the progress of the Colony? Please re-consider, British Passport holders in Hong Kong with outstretched necks are all
Best wishes. eagerly awaiting the glad tidings.
Yours sincerely,
for FONG SHU FOOK TONG FOUNDATION
4.2 Dong
(MR. FONG YUN WAH, K.B.E.)
as
YWF:rw.