POPAAL (6)
4,29
4.31
FCO Ministers should make every effort to present British views and
policies vigorously to Hong Kong, to listen to views of Hong Kong
people and to take account of those views:
Agreed.
Decision on site for future Consulate- General long overdue:
Work on this is a high priority but no decision reached.
4.02
HMS Tamar should become Consulate-General
Not possible. If no longer required for military use, site reverts
to Hong Kong Government under terms of DCA. Wrong connotations if
such a site used for Consulate.
NATIONALITY
4.13
4.19
-
HMG should take lead at earliest opportunity to establish with other
countries definite guarantees for acceptance of people from Hong Kong if needed:
Have already indicated that in "Armageddon scenario" would seek
to mobilise international community. Therefore right to consider
contingency planning now and talk to international partners. But
aim must be to take steps to ensure people will wish to remain in
Hong Kong. What is needed now is for international community to
rally round Hong Kong to help restore confidence, not encourage
people to leave.
Give assurances to significant numbers of key personnel to enable
them to have confidence to remain in Hong Kong. Assurances (to be
given especially to those in public life) would allow them to come
to UK to settle without immigration control, at 1997 or after,
before, at or after retirement:
This is in line with aim of scheme discussed between FCO, Home
Office and Hong Kong Government and reviewed by Cabinet on 29 June. Much work still to be done; but outcome likely to be in line with