CONFIDENTIAL
DEFENCE SECRETARY'S VISTO TO WASHINGTON 29-33 ANUARY
Points to Make
HKC340 RECEIVED IN/REGISTRY
HEGIS
12 FEB 1990
DESK OFFICER
in *
PA
REGISTRY
HONG KONG NATIONALITY/INTERNATIONAL SUPPOstian Taken
- As you know, exodus of talent from Hong Kong is a problem which we
take very seriously. Hope that others who benefit from business
with Hong Kong will take it seriously too.
- Clear from Douglas Hurd's visit to Hong Kong that our nationality
package announced in December seen as important step towards
restoring confidence of Hong Kong people, provided it can be
implemented quickly.
my
Impact of our package will be greatly enhanced if United States and Hong Kong's other major trading partners could follow our lead
by taking comparable measures as part of international response to
meet crisis of confidence in Hong Kong post-Tiananmen.
Understand that US Administration has been considering some
specific measures to prevent exodus of key personnel.
-
- Also encouraged to hear from Congressman Solarz that legislative
action might be taken by end of this year to provide up to 20,000
visas a year valid to 2,007.
-
Hope any such measures can be implemented as quickly as possible.
Defensive
-
(If asked for views on an international conference on Hong Kong)
Interested to note that this idea was proposed in the Solarz/Porter
resolution. Helpful to know what specific commitments the US might
make if such a conference were called.
MAXAEW (1)
CONFIDENTIAL
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