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Although Britain may not be in a position to predict the outcome of such negotiation, Hong Kong must be told when such talks will start, and by when they are expected to conclude, BDTCS who are eligible for BN(0) passports have a right to know exactly what the new document requires and exempts.
If they are kept in a state of uncertainty, or if their present convenience is eroded, there is every possibility they will postpone the application for the BN(0) passports until doubts are removed, in which case it would defeat the whole purpose of providing ample lead time to allow familiarization of these documents.
new
`sir.
Before I close, allow me to clarify my understanding of
articles 3 and 4 of the draft order.
A BDTC ceases to be one on 1st July 1997 and not before,
in spite of the passage of the Hong Kong Order.
On 1st July 1987 onwards a BDTC is eligible to be registered as a BN(0). This is an option open to him. In other words it is within his choice to opt for a BDTC passport whether it is a first application or renewal until immediately before 1st July 1997, or if he so wish, he can be registered as a BN(0) and to hold a BN(0) passport.
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Sir, at this point, I would like to join my other colleagues who are speaking at length on the fate of the ethnic minority of Hong Kong to call on the United Kingdom Goverment to make more satisfactory arrangements for this group,
the then/hitherto offer of a BN (0) passport which represents neither citizenship nor right of abode to these non-Chinese who have served the British for generations
Finally Sir, I wish to associate myself with Mr. J.J. Swaine's call for the automatic permission to land in the U.K. for every 3N(0) passport holder. I believe such a move not only removes the uncertainty that surrounds the existing
optional certificate of entry, but will also help Britain tremendously in reaching i visa abolition agreements for Hong Kong with third countries.