b)
Right of abode in Hong Kong can only be provided
by the Government until 30 June 1997. After that date,
it will be a matter for the Chinese Government. But the
agreement with the Chinese guarantees rights of abode in
Hong Kong after 1997. The Government believe that these
provisions will cover all non-ethnic Chinese BDTCs in
Hong Kong, unless they have left Hong Kong permanently
to settle elsewhere and have right of abode somewhere else.
c)
Nationality without right of abode in the parent
country is not a form of statelessness.
BDTCs do not
now have the right of abode in the United Kingdom. The
Council's proposals would undermine the principles of the
1981 Act, which was to confer on all former citizens of
the United Kingdom and Colonies a status which would
accurately reflect their links with the United Kingdom
or with a dependent territory as the case may be.
d)
BDTCs of Indian origin in Hong Kong have made it
plain through their Council that they wish to continue
to live in Hong Kong. Granting them British citizenship,
and thus right of abode in the UK, will not help to do
this.
Their future is safeguarded by the agreement.
e)
To
There is no substance in the suggestion made by the
Council of Hong Kong Indian Associations [and by
members] that the Agreement with the Chinese, or the
provisions of Article 6, are racially based. The
Government recognise an obligation to ensure that no-one
is left stateless in 1997. The provisions made will apply
to any former Hong Kong BDTCs, whatever their ethnic
origin, who do not become BN (0)s and who would otherwise
be stateless, and their children and grandchildren.
grant British citizenship to the non-ethnic Chinese BDTCs
simply on the grounds that they will not be regarded as
Chinese nationals would in itself be racially discrimin-
atory. Furthermore, it will undoubtedly lead to claims
for similar treatment from the Chinese Hong Kong BDTCs.
Such claims which would have to be denied under the terms
of the Agreement, would be deeply divisive in Hong Kong at
a time when we should be doing all we can to promote
harmony and confidence.