E.R.
sure it would become untenable if the idea got round that the
spouses of public servants could routinely qualify for citizenship. This suggests
suggests that
that unless we are to concede citizenship to all Hong Kong spouses waiving of the residence requirements should remain very exceptional and be restricted to cases where there are special reasons for granting citizenship well beyond the general desire for assurances in the light of the uncertainty about the future of Hong Kong.
In case you feel that you still wish to write to Donald Tsang I would like to suggest some detailed changes
detailed changes to the draft as marked on the attached copy. These are mainly intended to make
it sound as if we believe in the assurance we have already offered. There are also points where I think the draft is too
frank for a letter outside the UK Government.
B2 Division
VMD
Vivienne Dews
29 May 1990