UNCLASSIFIED
LORD GEDDES
(a) Extension of BOC to further generation will cover period of
50 years after 1997 and is therefore very welcome.
(b)
Lord Avebury's amendment should have been made to the
BNA, not to Hong Kong Bill. Quite indefensible to grant full
British citizenship to minority whilst exlcuding majority of
people with previously similar status.
(c) Must trust Chinese to abide by agreement and by their
own nationality law.
BISHOP OF NORWICH
(a) Impressed by genuine acceptability of agreement to people
of Hong Kong.
(b) Afraid that Lord Avebury's amendment would be divisive
in Hong Kong, whereas concession on BOC for further generation
will do great deal to settle anxieties.
LORD GRIDLEY
(a) Hong Kong in unique situation. In no other case has
HMG given 12 years' notice of termination of sovereignty. HMOCS
have to wait 12 years in career service for action in respect
of pensionable emoluments and status. Amendment to help retain
public servants in Hong Kong for important work that lies
ahead.