of
Hong Kong. But when this
interruption
came
and threatened the
stability and prosperity that both the Chinese and British wanted to
maintain so badly, it appeared that either British or China, or both,
would have to yield or adjust their positions. But judging from the
Exchange of Memoranda carried in the Sino-British Agreement (Note: China
tt
officially called this document a "Joint Declaration,' not an
"Agreement"), it is very clear both the British and China have never
given up their basic positions: that is, the British still insist on "no
right of abode" in the United Kingdom while China maintains her non-
recognition of British Subjects.
6
of
Britain has declared that Chinese British Subjects by virtue
connection with Hong Kong, "will cease to be BDTCs with effect from 1
July 1997, but will be eligible to retain an appropriate status" "which
will entitle them to continue to use passports issued by the government
of the United Kingdom. "United Kingdom consulate officials in the Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region and elsewhere may review and replace
passports" for these Chinese British Subjects. Those who have carried
those passports "will be entitled to receive, upon request, British
Consular services and protection when in third countries.
7
previously
As for China, she maintains that all Hong Kong Chinese,
BDTC, will be permitted to use travel documents issued by the government
of the United Kingdom only for the purpose of travelling to other states
and regions. But she declares that this privileged arrangement of
holding British travel documents for BDTC
include British consular protection in Hong Kong and other parts of
China.
8
Chinese nationals will not
This arrangement by China simply puts the past and present practice
on record. No new idea is added. At all times since the
establishment
of the PRC in 1949,
Chinese British Subjects of Hong Kong did carry
nameranda exolayed
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