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2.
has been that this is to be the Governor's scheme and that he alone should operate it. Once I myself take an active role in the selection in this particular area - which is arguably the one which is most obviously within the Governor's own knowledge it is difficult to find reasons why I should not have the power of selection across other categories. The structure of the Bill
would then unravel.
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I believe the best way forward would be for the Governor to make recommendations to me after taking into account specific
criteria which we would announce and which would relate to the
outstanding nature of the individual's contribution to the prosperity and well-being of Hong Kong. We need to give further thought to these criteria, but possibilities would include extent of investments, numbers of Hong Kong people employed and evidence of charitable and other contributions
to the life of the territory. There would, however, be no formal points system.
As these key entrepreneurs will be a separate category, we shall I think have to indicate the numbers of places which will be available, as we shall for the General Allocation, Disciplined Services and Sensitive Services schemes. I would like to reflect further on the right figure before putting a firm proposal to OD (K), and to take account of any views the Governor may express during his visit this week. But at present, and subject to any further views which you may wish to express, I am thinking in terms of the low hundreds, bearing in mind that what we shall be asking the Governor to look for is individuals whose contribution to Hong Kong is outstanding. Other entrepreneurs would be considered under the business sections of
the General Allocation Scheme.
In summary, I believe that there are critical difficulties
in incorporating within the Bill a power for me to confer citizenship without the Governor's recommendation, and I hope that you will agree that we should proceed as outlined above.
I am copying this minute to Douglas Hurd.
Sara Dent
by ine Home Secretary.
(Approved by the
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and signed in his absence.
7 March 1990