been clearly understood that they would be able to apply for Chinese nationality in due course and that such applications would be decided in accordance with Chinese nationality law. Adequate provision was also made to ensure that no one be left stateless.
5. Mr Narain and Mr Sital expressed disappointment that the British Government appeared unwilling to do anything to help the ethnic Chinese Community and suggested that their young people would decide that their future lay outside Hong Kong. The discussion had in their view achieved nothing. Mr Waddington emphasised that on the contrary the meeting had been most valuable by providing a further opportunity for their views and concerns to be discussed. The objective at this stage was to listen to the views expressed in the debate in Parliament and outside before the Order in Council was finally made. But in fairness to everyone it was also right that the difficulties of adopting particular proposals should also be displayed.
6. It was agreed that any enquiries from the media would be answered by saying that the meeting had been private and so it would not be appropriate to disclose what views had been expressed.
cc PS/Mr Renton
Mr Fittall
Mr Yates
Mr Hyde
Mr Lyon Mr Fries
Mr Willis
Chludson
CCR HUDSON
Private Secretary
16 January 1986