1
CONFIDENTIAL
References:
A.
Paris telno 184
B.
Paris telno 248
C.
Paris telno 414
D.
Paris telno 447
Background
1.
The French took an early initiative in 1988 over assurances for
key people in French firms (mainly banks) in Hong Kong by granting
about 80 of them citizenship. In addition the French Government are
introducing a scheme to give a form of laissez passez to allow about a further 1000-1500 employees of French companies in Hong Kong the right to go to France providing their company will continue to employ them there. The French have already put this scheme to the
firms concerned.
2.
The objective of both is to persuade these key personnel to
remain in Hong Kong, exactly what we have been seeking with the
lobbying exercise and of course the aim of the British Nationality
(Hong Kong) Bill.
3. Although the French took the initiative over this prior to our
representations, it would still be appropriate to thank them for
what they are doing, especially as it has not found favour with the
Chinese.
TOYAFE
CONFIDENTIAL