ci stances where they wish to seek redress against
atts of the Hong Kong Government: but should they do so
there are local channels open to them, as well as the
right of any Hong Kong resident to petition the Governor,
to seek assistance from the FCO or to petition The Queen.
Where other government activities are concerned,
rade promotion is handled effectively and vigorousty by
do not wrom the the British Trade Commission, UK businessmen need fe thing
/ feel
lack of government support in their efforts to get a
share of the Hong Kong market. As Mr Allison points out,
the Hong Kong Government's Immigration Department
currently fulfills certain other functions on behalf of
HMG. Where resident expatriates are concerned, this
principally involves handling passport applications and
renewals. We have not been aware that this arrangement
has caused problems (any recent difficulties have been
the result of industrial action in the UK civil service).
There is no reason why increasing localisation of the
diffinities! public service in Hong Kong should create any problems.
Immigration Department has in fact been heavily "local"
for many years.
PULM
I think
You
ou will appreciate that the opening of a
wouldy "British Representative Office" before 1997 will have
political and presentational implications, which the
British and Hong Kong Governments would have to consider
Very seriousty. The British Government's administration
of Hong Kong is through the Governor and the Hong Kong
Jovernment, whose authority must be clear and unimpaired.