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As far as 3. is concerned, I was informed that, again by exercise of discretionary power, absences over three months could invalidate a claim under the ten year convention (which my Hong Kong friend thought had been extended from the 12-15 years for Hong Kong residents).
Apart from the point about China, my Hong Kong friend pointed to the much greater ease of access now enjoyed by Hong Kong residents to Canada and Australia. In Canada I was told that wealth of only $200.000 (Canadian) (roughly HK$1.2 million) needed to be shown plus a commitment to employ at least three Canadian residents with fairly relaxed residential conditions so that a business could still be continued in Hong Kong. In Australia I was informed that, encouraged by the example: given by Canada of the reductions in unemployment as a result of the admission of Hong Kong residents, Australian conditions had been relaxed so that now wealth of $500,000 (Australian) (roughly HK$2.5 million) had to be shown, there were no residential requirements for three years and Hong Kong professional qualifications were recognised in many fields. As a result of these relaxations my friend felt that Hong Kong capital, enterprise, energy and employment creating potential were much more likely to be diverted to these countries which would further weaken the links between the UK and Hong Kong.
I have sent copies of this letter to Tim Renton at the Foreign Office, Sir Peter Blaker as Chairman of the Hong Kong Parliamentary Group and Colvin Haye the Hong Kong Commissioner.
Yours ever
Hal
cc. Tim Renton, MP.
Rt. Hon. Sir Peter Blaker, MP. Colvin Haye
Hal Miller MP