CONFIDENTIAL
France
Federal Republic
of Germany
Italy
The Quai agree that we may say in public that
France is one of the countries taking measures
to reassure essential staff working for
international companies in Hong Kong. Scheme
is expected to cover about 15,000 heads of
households (ie about 15% of locally-employed
staff).
FRG's scheme to provide safety net for up to
1,000 Hong Kong personnel almost finalised.
Confirmation expected at beginning of April.
Italians considering scheme to give long-term visas to several hundred employees of Italian
companies in Hong Kong which would give them
right, if need arose, of residence in Italy.
Italians have asked us not to refer publicly to their scheme until it has been agreed by
Ministers.
Japan
Luxembourg
Despite being the largest foreign investor in
Hong Kong, Japan is unwilling to help.
Luxembourg unlikely to publicise their scheme
locally, but will not object to our making
public reference to it once it has been agreed with Ministers. Will issue multiple entry visas backed by guarantees of work and residence permits to about 15 employees of Luxembourg companies in Hong Kong. The MFA
have shown us a draft paper setting out details
of the scheme.
Netherlands
ALAADA
Following Mr Maude's visit on 21 March, the
Dutch Foreign Minister has agreed to look again
at possibility of issuing advance residence
permits which would not require legislation.
At their request, we have given Dutch MFA
details of similar schemes being considered by
CONFIDENTIAL