CONFIDENTIAL
Indians briefed the press to the effect that they had expressed serious concern over the future of Hong Kong citizens of Indian
origin who would be left stateless after 1997. In fact,
Mr Venkataraman did not mention the subject.
5.
However, given the press release, we now think it appropriate
that we seek the assistance of the Indians in the general world wide
lobbying on international support for Hong Kong. If India did grant
citizenship or right of abode, it would probably not be welcomed by
the Indian community in Hong Kong as their main aim is British
citizenship, but it would certainly deflect their main argument on
the possibility of statelessness after 1997.
CONFIDENTIAL