CONFIDENTIAL
May
children will not acquire British nationality by descent.
acquire other nationality if held by parent or through birth in
foreign country. In accordance with international obligations to reduce statelessness HMG will make provision in relevant legislation
for such children to acquire British nationality at birth if they
would otherwise be stateless.
INTERNATIONAL RESETTLEMENT FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE WILLING TO STAY?
5. Our aim was to secure arrangements which would provide secure
future for Hong Kong people to continue to live, work and raise
their children in Hong Kong. I am confident that we have achieved
this. Our firm intention, and that of Chinese Government, is to
make agreement work.
C.
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE
WHY STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT NOT SPELT OUT IN GREATER DETAIL?
6.
Detailed structure of Government is a matter for the Basic Law.
Would not have been right to attempt to lay down details 13 years in
advance. Must allow for development between now and 1997. The
agreement however states there will be an elected legislature, an
executive accountable to the legislature, and a chief executive.
FASTER DEVELOPMENT OF DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG
7. Hong Kong Government published Green Paper on representative
Government in July. Are now considering public comment on
proposals. These gave general support to principle of gradual
development of representative institutions. Precise pace of
development will be matter for consideration in White Paper to be
published shortly.
D.
BASIC LAW
WILL HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE A SAY IN ITS DRAFTING?
8. Drafting of Basic Law a matter for the Chinese Government.
They
have made it clear however that people of Hong Kong will be
consulted. Policies stated in Joint Declaration and Annex I will be
stipulated in Basic Law.
CONFIDENTIAL