CONFIDENTIAL
HONG KONG'S RELATIONS WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM
Another feature of the past year has been the evolution of our
relationship with the United Kingdom. Contrary to some popular
myths, this Government has for many years been left essentially free
to get on with the job of running Hong Kong by itself. We have sole responsibility for our internal affairs, such as education, social
welfare and medical services. For the past 20 years or so, we have
made all our own policy decisions in other important areas such as
the economy, trade and finance.
In the past
As a result, we have developed some interests which are separate
from those of the United Kingdom. Sometimes we have found
ourselves on opposite sides of the negotiating table.
year or two, for instance, we have had to negotiate about the
relative shares of costs incurred by the British Garrison in Hong
Kong and we have had discussions about the part the United Kingdom
plays in resettling Vietnamese refugees from Hong Kong. When this
happens, you can be sure that your Government argues hard on Hong
Kong's behalf.
We have also put forward a clear Hong Kong case on the nationality
issue. I have said that I understand and sympathise with the wide pead hope in Hong Kong that Britain will grant the right of
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the United Kingdom to all Hong Kong British nationals.
I have also said that, in my view, such a move, if it was possible
would have a very positive effect on confidence in Hong Kong, and
that the number who would actually leave would be small.
The British Government has said that it does not believe it is
possible to grant the right of abode in Britain to all Hong Kong British nationals. Instead it has promised a scheme under which the right of abode in the UK will be granted to some British nationals from Hong Kong. We have been assured that work is going ahead as fast as it can on such a scheme. I hope that the details
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CONFIDENTIAL