CONFIDENTIAL
enables them to travel widely and freely. Many have done so already.
Where difficulties have arisen over entry into any particular country, HMG have taken action with government concerned.
ETHNIC MINORITY BDTCS
Happy to reaffirm that HMG consider it an obligation upon any
future government to treat with very considerable and particular sympathy the case for admission to the United Kingdom of any individual British national who, against all our present
expectations, comes under pressure to leave Hong Kong.
But do not expect such a situation to arise. Believe Joint
Declaration provides necessary assurances to enable all inhabitants of Hong Kong to plan confidently for future here.
BRITISH CITIZENSHIP FOR HONG KONG CHINESE
[For use as appropriate if the question is raised with Lord
Glenarthur]
Concern about retaining skilled, key staff a valid one. A
concern which we and Hong Kong Government share.
But HMG cannot agree that British citizenship should be
offered as an inducement to stay in Hong Kong or as a reward for
investing in Britain.
Legal constraints: British Nationality Act 1981 lays down
criteria for acquiring British citizenship. Government obliged by
law to uphold those criteria.
In any case politically wrong for HMG to take such a course. Would be divisive and arouse strong criticism in Hong Kong.
Chinese authorities would certainly regard such action as a
sign of a lack of confidence in the future of Hong Kong. Could cast
a shadow over all our dealings with them on Hong Kong.
Different for other countries, who in any case have different
They do not have our unique
criteria for granting citizenship.
responsibility for Hong Kong.
CONFIDENTIAL
{