anywhere to British subjects. He suggested a compromise for the future whereby holders of British Hong Kong passports would have a passport giving the full protection enjoyed by British
citizens but would have to obtain visas to come to the UK and
work permits if they sought employment. Such a passport would
be limited to the 50 year transition period promised by the
Chinese.
(c) Lord Geddes suggested that BDTC's become BOC's for two
generations after 1997.
(d) Lord Tanlaw suggested that BDTC passports become documents
recognised internationally for visa purposes, not necessarily giving any right of abode. They would then be a form of
permanent exit visa or business travel aid after 1997.
6.
CONFIDENCE
(a) Many Lords expressed confidence about the future of Hong Kong. (b) Lord Tanlaw said now was the time to invest in Hong Kong. (c) Lord Rhodes said that co-operation, not bland British assurances
or unilateral Chinese declarations, was needed for confidence. (d) Lord MacLehose said the people of Hong Kong must not be panicked
by rumour or instant commentators into premature attitudes and
assessments that might prove baseless.
7.
NEGOTIATIONS
Many Lords praised the Government, and the Secretary of State
personally for the conduct of the negotiations.
8. CONSULTATION WITH HONG KONG
Lord Mulley did not think a referendum would be appropriate.
9. PUBLIC SERVICE
Lord Tanlaw asked if localisation was going fast enough.