DEC 04 '85 19:07 GIS HK
P.2
Clydesdale
2.
Kong was British and because they clearly believed it would remain so. Over the past century they have been part and parcel of our development as a British territory, one which has become an economic lesson to the rest of the world.
The British Government, and indeed the Hong Kong Government, cannot evade direct moral responsibility for this group of citizens and must respect their wish to remain British and to be given the right of abode in Britain or a British Territory with the right of travel on a British or relevant BDT passport. They were after all British subjects before the British Nationality Act 1948 and, after that Act, were in many
Since many do cases required to re-affirm allegiance to Britain.
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not even speak the Indian language they do not consider themselves as Indian nationals nor do they wish to emigrate to India, which would not be an easy matter in any case, nor, indeed, do they wish to become Chinese citizens at some point after 1997. Their historical connection has been with the British and the British should now be prepared to look after their interests.
Turning now from the emotional to the technical, the position, as I understand it, is that, after 30th June 1997, in common with their Chinese counterparts, non-Chinese BDTCs will become British Nationals (Overseas) (or British Overseas Citizens if they have failed for any reason to apply for British Nationals (Overseas) status).
A passport issued in connection with either British Nationals (Overseas) or British Overseas Citizens status is no
The right of abode in Hong Kong more than a travel document. will be conferred solely by the issue of a Hong Kong identity
Unlike card provided certain eligibility rules have been met. their Chinese counterparts, however, non-Chinese BDTCs in addition to meeting these eligibility rules will additionally have to show that Hong Kong is their place of "permanent
residence", the precise meaning of which has not yet been made clear.