FORMER SERVICEMEN
GOVERNMENT HAVE PARTICULAR
DUTY TOWARDS THIS GROUP OF
PEOPLE
GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONFER
BRITISH CITIZENSHIP ON ALL
FORMER SERVICEMEN
Fully appreciate valuable contribution these people
made in defence of Hong Kong during Second World
War.
Understand depth of feeling in Hong Kong
on this issue. Government have therefore moved
as far as possible to meet their request.
Not possible under the law to confer British
citizenship on all former servicemen.
Arrangements
announced yesterday take into account individual
circumstances and service. Hope will be seen in
Hong Kong as an imaginative and genuinely helpful
response.
WHEN DOES THE CONCESSION
COME INTO EFFECT?
From yesterday.
The servicemen's case is not affecte‹
by the timing of the Order or the timing of changes
in Hong Kong.
HOW MANY WILL BE AFFECTED?
About 270 in all, but whether or not they apply
for citizenship, no doubt many will decide to continue
to live in Hong Kong.
BN(0) PASSPORT ENDORSEMENT
DOES THIS RESTRICT THE
GOVERNMENT'S FUTURE
ABILITY TO IMPOSE VISAS?
WILL BN(0)s BE IN A MORE
FAVOURABLE IMMIGRATION
POSITION THAN BDTCs ARE
NOW?
The endorsement reflects the position under the
current Immigration Rules. I repeat we have no
intention of introducing any visa requirement for
BDTCs from Hong Kong visiting the UK.
No, sir. The entry clearance requirements will
be the same. Those coming for settlement will
continue to require prior entry clearance.
and students will continue not to need prior entry
clearance, but may apply for one if they so wish.
Visitors