CONFIDENTIAL
(originally end of March) has slipped. The
Embassy have recommended that the Prime
Minister should raise this with President Bush in Bermuda on 13 April. Suggest plans for UK official to brief Congressmen and
Administration informally on details of possible immigration schemes and idea of a letter setting out our general approach should be held in reserve for time being.
In addition to the above:
Gibraltar
South Africa
Hong Kong Department
30 March 1990
ALAADA
During Mr Maude's visit on 25 January, the Chief Minister expressed interest in our nationality package and undertook to study the possibility of offering some 200-250 residence permits to Hong Kong people. At the Chief Minister's request, we will provide a copy of the Nationality Bill after publication.
South Africa is already trying to attract professionally qualified immigrants and investors from Hong Kong. The Embassy has advised strongly against an official approach to the South African Government on the grounds that the black leadership would object strongly to these plans and that a future government might not honour any commitment given by the present minority government. Hong Kong have also advised against such an approach on the grounds that it might jeopardise our efforts to secure more positive assistance from major
players like the US, Canada and Australia.
CONFIDENTIAL.