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DSR 11C (Revised 5/87)
conclude that it would be impossible to grant the right
of abode to all 3.25 million Hong Kong British Dependent
Territories Citizens. As I explained to you when you
called on me with Dame Lydia Dunn recently, the potential
practical difficulties would be overwhelming. It would
be irresponsible of us to make a commitment or raise
expectations that no future government could possibly
meet.
In Confidence
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We are however determined to do what we can within
the limits of what is practicable to help to stem the
outflow of talent from the territory. We are working on
a scheme to give the assurance of the right of abode to
some Hong Kong people on the basis of value of service to
Hong Kong as well as connections with Britain. I note
that in the course of the debate some Members expressed
doubts about this approach, on the grounds that the
scheme would be divisive. That is not our intention at
all. The aim will be to give people whose skills and
talents are essential for Hong Kong's continued success
the confidence to remain in the territory, thereby
benefiting the community as a whole. The announcement
will be made as soon as possible.
We also acknowledge that all the people of Hong Kong
need the firmest possible assurance that, if the worst
were to happen, there would be a home of last resort for
those who need it. In such circumstances we would call
on the international community to help if the numbers
involved were more than we could cope with alone. I have