heil of Hongkong Indian Associations
heil
Contd. 2
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
the PRC rightly regards it as HMG's responsibility to grant us an effective and lasting nationality.
The Legislative Council of Hong Kong unanimously passed a motion on 8th January 1986 supporting our claims. Persons of all races (including Chinese) spoke in our favour in debates in the Council. recognised, as does the Hong Kong community at large, that we are a special case.
They
In the House of Commons debate almost all speakers, and in the House of Lords debate all speakers, supported our claims. These speakers came from all parties, and included persons with special knowledge of Hong Kong, including the former Governor.
We, or our ancestors, came to Hong Kong because it was British, not because it was Chinese. Clearly we cannot be expected to view the transfer in the same light as the Chinese ethnic majority in Hong Kong.
Notwithstanding the above, we regard the right of abode, which is the concomitant of British
citizenship, as an insurance policy. It is not our intention, unless circumstances change, to uproot ourselves from Hong Kong.
(viii) In any event we number only about 10,000. In the
context of immigration control, the numbers are small. Far greater numbers were involved in the grant of British citizenship to the Gibraltarians.
(ix)
We respectfully suggest that our industry, wealth and service would make us desirable members of the British community.
We are grateful to you for your attention.
Yours sincerely,
h. Mitmus
K.Sital
Vice-President