CONFIDENTIAL
16
generations of non-Chinese
persons.
It
as a general principle to grant British
would not be appropriate
nationality indefinitely
and without restrictions to the descendants of British nationals.
However, problems of further generations and potential statelessness
and we are looking here into the next century are being urgently
examined in response to
made by the non-Chinese
community in Hong Kong.
representations
G
INDIANS
A number of Lords raised the position of ethnic Indians in the
Second Reading debate as a result of lobbying by the Council of Hong
Kong Indian Associations. Ministers have taken the line that the
right of abode of the Indian community in Hong Kong, the majority of
which is composed of people who have been ordinarily resident in
Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than 7 years,
is
clearly provided for in Section XIV of Annex I to the Joint
Declaration.
There is no need for them therefore to seek an
alternative right of abode.
OTHER DIFFICULTIES
inter alia with
A full list of nationality supplementaries dealing inter
the points raised in the Second Reading debate are attached.
CONFIDENTIAL