CONFIDENTIAL
!
4.
A particular point with an important Hong Kong dimension which we have previously taken up with the Portuguese (most recently at Mrs Chalker's meeting with Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Azevedo Soares on 20 May) is
a possible influx of Macau residents to the EC. The situation is (A consequence of
Portuguese nationality law which does not different classes of Portuguese national).
Portuguese passports thus have the same access
nationals of
as
seven
year
distinguish between
Macanese holders of
to Community states
member states for Community purposes (subject to
transitional arrangements).
They
are thus in
a
more
favourable position than Hong Kong BDTCS. In view of the
the great
sensitivity felt in Hong Kong over nationality arrangements this point is likely to be a particularly delicate one for us of Macau/Hong Kong comparisons.
in terms
HONG KONG DEPARTMENT
24 October 1986