Parliament or public at large, to give 3 1/4 million people
automatic right of abode in UK, even if most of those concerned had
no intention of leaving Hong Kong.
Such a move could be interpreted as vote of no confidence in Hong Kong's future.
GRANTING CITIZENSHIP TO ALL HONG KONG BDTCs WOULD BOOST CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG/STRENGTHEN THEIR HAND AGAINST PRC (LORD WYATT THESIS)
But believe that giving bulk of Hong Kong inhabitants means to leave Hong Kong and settle in Britain at any time of their choosing would only serve to undermine stability and cohesion of territory, on which confidence ultimately depends.
Would in effect create society in which long-term commitment of majority of its members would always be in doubt.
Also possibility, however remote, that temporary downturn in Hong Kong's fortunes, or even some external event, could provoke unjustified yet largely irreversible exodus. Hong Kong, with long tradition of immigration and emigration, has always been highly mobile society. Always susceptible to sharp fluctuations in mood. Granting automatic right of abode in UK would exaggerate those tendencies. Would be bad for Hong Kong as a whole and bad for investor confidence, which is crucial to territory's prosperity.
PASSE
CHINESE ATTITUDE TO EC PASSPORTS FOR HONG KONG CHINESE?
But
Have had no discussions with Chinese on this subject. nationality is sensitive matter for Chinese. Their position set in memorandum associated with Joint Declaration.
Chinese view is that all "Hong Kong Chinese compatriots" "are"
Chinese nationals.