Cancil of Hongkong Indian Associations
4
The Legislative Council of Hong Kong debated the nationality Order in Council on 4 December and Members were unanimous in expressing concern over the future of non-ethnic Chinese BDTCS. Seven out of the ten Legislative Councillors who spoke, five of whom were themselves of Chinese origin, recognised the unique situation these people were in and called on the British government to discharge its moral responsibility by granting them the security of full British citizenship with the right of abode in the UK. Hon. Allen Lee countered the argument that special treatment would offend the majority Chinese community: "I have talked to quite a few Chinese BDTC passport holders. I can safely say that they have no objection to the minorities obtaining British citizenship or retaining the BDTC status in fact they wish the minorities the best of luck". If, as the government has claimed, the views of Hong Kong people will be considered before the Order is passed, then careful heed should be paid to what the Legislative Council has said.
We hope you can see sufficient merit in our case to take it up on our behalf when the nationality Order is debated in both Houses. The non-Chinese BDTC minorities face an uncertain future, and while the numbers involved are small the principle involved is a great one.
Yours sincerely,
Av.
معینهاله
H. N. Harilela
President