19.
It is clear that we cannot afford the spectacular
gestures towards Hong Kong British passport holders
That would
advocated by some press commentators.
undermine the British Nationality Act. It would also be
impossible to reconcile with our responsibilities towards
Hong Kong and the need to sustain confidence in the
territory.
The decisive factor must be what is best for
Hong Kong. But while taking full account of these
considerations, there is no reason why we need ignore the
opportunities presented by entrepreneurs and other
talented or deserving individuals who have decided to
leave Hong Kong and who wish to invest and/or make their
lives overseas. People in this category could make a
signficiant contribution to Britain and Hong Kong after
1997. We need to ensure that such individuals understand
that they would be welcome in Britain and that our rules
on settlement and nationality can be operated flexibly.
Provided we proceed discreetly and with our
responsibility towards Hong Kong clearly in mind, it
should be possible to ensure that Britain secures a
reasonable share of the entrepreneurial talent that is
seeking to establish itself outside the territory.
ANGLO-HONG KONG LINKS
20.
One way in which we can underline our commitment to
the territory is by making it clear that we intend to maintain a substantial official presence in Hong Kong
after 1997 and to do all that we can to promote more
extensive links between Britain and Hong Kong, both