ME3AIA (2)
CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG: NATIONALITY ORDER IN COUNCIL
SECRETARY OF STATE'S MEETING WITH LORD CLEDWYN: 15 MAY
LINE TO TAKE
1.
Understand
minorities.
your concern for future of ethnic
We accept our responsibility towards them.
Believe we have fulfilled it.
2.
British
They want to go on living in Hong Kong. citizenship cannot secure that after 1997. But it will be secured by Joint Declaration and hence by Basic Law as
matter of international and local law.
3.
They want a nationality status.
They will have that.
are fulfilling our a genuine nationality
To
No one will be stateless: we
international obligations. BOC is status carrying important rights (travel, protection). deny this would put in doubt position of 2 million BOCS
elsewhere in world.
nationality status for children and
4.
They want a
grandchildren. They citizenship
abroad.
have that.
Not
can be transmitted beyond two
even
British
generations
5.
No reason to believe they will not have secure life in
Hong Kong after 1997. Chinese are demonstrating commitment
to make agreement work. But if things go wrong we have given clearest possible assurance that a future Government will help. That is best approach, not to provide bolt-hole
now.
6.
Delay now would not serve Hong Kong. Need Order passed, So can make preparations for BN (0) passports and begin working for their international acceptance.
CONFIDENTIAL