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BRIEF FOR MR LUCE'S USE AT HIS MEETING WITH MR HARILELA, PRESIDENT
OF THE HONG KONG INDIAN ASSOCIATION, 1715 HOURS 18 FEBRUARY 1985
Welcome. Reply sent to your petition by Dr David Wilson AUSS,
on 8 February, for transmission by Hong Kong Government. Here is a
1.
copy.
2. Government is fully aware of important contribution of Indian
community to development of Hong Kong. Sure it will continue to play an important role up to and after 1997.
3.
Government has given careful consideration to points raised in your petition. Appreciate concern of all groups in Hong Kong in face of 1997. Purpose of agreement is to establish confidence in future of territory. High degree of continuity guaranteed.
4.
No question of BDTCS, Chinese or non-Chinese being left stateless as a result of the agreement. Hong Kong Bill provides for
all who are BDTC s on 30 June 1997 to become "British Nationals
(Overseas)" if they wish for the rest of their lives. Broadly same
rights as BDTCs except no transmissibility.
5. If for s ome reason a person fails to acquire BN (O) status, still no question of their being rendered stateless. Any BDTCs who do not
acquire BN(O) and would otherwise be stateless will become British
Overseas Citizens on 1 July 1997. Will therefore continue to have a
form of British nationality and the right to use British passports.
6.
As petition makes clear, majority of Indian community have been
ordinarily resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less
than 7 years. Right of abode in the Hong Kong
Kong SAR is clearly
provided for in Section XIV of Annex I to the Joint Declaration.
After 1997 will therefore continue to have right of abode in Hong
Kong so long as their permanent home is in Hong Kong.
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