F. NATIONALITY
CONFIDENTIAL
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF PASSPORTS
9.
Both SAR and British passports will contain clear statement of
holder's right of abode in Hong Kong SAR. SAR Government will be
assisted or authorised by Central People's Government to conclude
visa abolition agreements. Every reason to be confident of
international acceptance of these passports. Britain will do all in its power to secure acceptance by other countries of new-style
passports.
TITLE OF FORM OF BRITISH NATIONALITY?
10. Not yet decided.
[IF PRESSED] What is important are rights carried by new status. These are substantively set out in UK Memorandum. Title requires
further consultation and consideration.
IMPLICATIONS FOR IMMIGRATION TO UK?
11.
Only estimated 20,000 British citizens in Hong Kong. They have
the right of abode in UK. BDTCs have no right of abode in the UK,
and will not have it under the new status in
in 1997. Our efforts have
been directed to achieving conditions under which people will not wish to leave Hong Kong. Believe agreement does that.
G. DEFENCE [If not covered in speech]
[CONSCRIPTION OF HONG KONG PEOPLE INTO PLA?
12. Not mentioned in the agreement. This is not to say that there will be conscription. Chinese Government have not suggested that
there would be.]
[ROLE OF PLA IN HONG KONG SAR?
13. Clear the PRC will be responsible for SAR's defence. Whether troops to be stationed there will be a matter for Central People's Government. A-reement makes clear that public order will be responsibility of SAR Government, and that troops stationed in SAR will not interfere in its internal affairs.]
CONFIDENTIAL