PTZABR (2)
CONFIDENTIAL
VISIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE TO HONG KONG: 29-31 MAY 1988
BRIEF NO 12: EMIGRATION
Objectives
1. To demonstrate that we are aware of the problem, responsive to
the concerns of employers and sensitive to the underlying causes.
2. To seek further information on the nature and extent of the
present problem.
3.
To emphasise that the key to the containment of emigration is
to ensure Hong Kong remains a place in which people wish to continue
living and working.
Points to make
[With the Governor and ExCol
clearly right that we should acknowledge problem and
demonstrate that we are not complacent or insensitive. Welcome
decision to establish Task Force.
at same time, must try to discourage tendency to talk up the
problem, so that emigration becomes self-fulfilling prophecy.
[With OMELCO and others]
Aware of problem, and of change in type of people leaving.
easy solutions.
No
Agree with Governor: no question of trying to stop people leaving. Our efforts must concentrate on maintaining Hong Kong as
place people wish to stay in or come back to.
CONFIDENTIAL
Hong Kong Department
May 1988
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