16 JAN. '90 13:01
FROM COI TECHNICAL RADIO
TO FCO NEWS
PAGE .009
TRANSCRIPT C
―
FOREIGN SEC
Ava
PC - HONG KONG
www.
16 JAX 90
FORRIGE SECRETART:
We naturally hope and would expect that people who have
United Kingdom passports, however they receive them, will be
treated as one as United Kingdom citizens. And I do not think the
Chinese Government has reason to doubt the consequences of the
nationality proposal.
As I have said, we believe it to be fully in conformity with
the Joint Declacutimm auû actually helpful in the aim which the
and
Jotat Declaration states. I do not think there should be practical
problems there.
QUESTION (BBC World Service Chinese Section):
The Labour Party and many of your prominent backbenchers are
still pressing their case against your nationality package. Сад
you now assure the Hong Kong people that you are absolutely
confident that the House of Commons will pass your package when it
de baing pa
mut forward to the House in April or Nay?
TRADE TAK
KAZANO KA AYA D
CRYOTTA UV
RPLANE JAAR A ALAY, JUNE
Yes, I do not know about April or May because no decision
has been taken about timing. But I believe that when that time
comes, was the Bouse of Commons will pass the package and I will go
back now and say, perhaps with your help, that it remains my view.
In fact my view is considerably strengthened, that this is an
essential part, it is not the total answer, but it is an essential
part of building up confidence in the future of Hong Kong and that
it would be a very grave mistake on the part of the Douse vi
!