CONFIDENTIAL
HMG naturally believe in concept of direct elections, on which British parliamentary system is based.
But do not consider it right
to impose ideas on Hong Kong from outside. Up to Hong Kong people
to decide how fast they want to move.
B.
UNDERTAKINGS BY HMG TO HONG KONG PEOPLE (DEFENSIVE)
122. ASSURANCES GIVEN BY HMG TO THOSE IN SENSITIVE POSTS
Her Majesty's Government are confident that the Joint Declaration
which they have initialled with the People's Republic of China will
allay much of the anxiety about the future which has been felt over
the last 2 years in Hong Kong. They are also confident that those
who make their home in Hong Kong will regard its terms as giving
them a basis on which they can continue to live, work and raise
their children there.
[IF PRESSED]
In response to enquiries the attention of a number of people closely connected with the present adminsitration has been drawn to the
existing provision of the United Kingdom's immigration rules for
settlement which cover a variety of categories of applicant. The
Home Secretary has the power to exercise discretion in respect of applications for admission to the United Kingdom and certain applications under nationality legislation. Applications under
these provisions will be considered on their merits in the future as in the past.
CONFIDENTIAL