the British government to strengthen the openness of Hong Kong's future judicial system to international standards of jurisprudence will deserve strong support and be warmly welcomed by responsible people in Hong Kong.
4. Citizenship and nationality
HON ZONG
conditions in the detention centres and in keeping before the internationalmunity the rights of these people. Everything possible should be done to recognise the rights of all these people. The international community must accept its responsibility to welcome them, and its role in promoting economic and social development in Vietnam.
Citizens of Hong Kong before 1962 had the 8. Pastoral links right to full British passports as British nationals, but have seen this status reduced and the passport to which they are enti- tled in most cases, become little more than a travel document facility. Britain has denied the vast majority of citizens living in Hong Kong one of the fundamental elements of citizenship. We are also concerned about non- Chinese people living and working in Hong Kong. It is essential that no one is left stateless as a result of Hong Kong's
transition.
5. Democracy in Hong Kong
It is to be regretted
be regretted that British that British administration before the 1980s did almost nothing to promote democratic participation in the government of Hong Kong. In the present state of transition, and in spite of the difficulties, strengthening democracy in Hong Kong is a vital way of helping its people. Those of goodwill throughout the world would welcome moves by the British, Chinese, and Hong Kong governments to promote a more representative form of government before the elections due in 1995.
6. Migrant workers
There are many migrant workers in Hong Kong and especially at the time of transition their situation will become vulnerable. Their rights and welfare must be respected at all times by those who govern Hong Kong.
7. Vietnamese boat people
The Vietnamese boat people in the camps and detention centres are suffering severely from deprivations and uncertainty, with long delays in deciding on their status, and with the prospect in some cases of forced repatriation. We urge the British government to set an example of generosity in admitting recognised Vietnamese refugees to this country, in providing funds to improve
Those who come to this country whether as refugees or migrants, Vietnamese and Chinese, should be warmly welcomed by Christians in this country. Everything possible should be done together with the Church in Hong Kong to improve arrangements for the pastoral care of those among them who are Catholics.
In 1989 Cardinal Wu, Bishop of Hong Kong, issued a letter on the pastoral commitment of the Catholic diocese of Hong Kong for the years leading up to the year 2000, taking into account the political changes throughout the world, in China, and in Hong Kong. His letter, with which he also published a substantial consultation report, took the heading March into the bright decade, and expressed the inspiration and will of the diocese, in the spirit of Vatican II and in communion with the universal Church, to serve God by fulfiling its pastoral mission among the people of Hong Kong. The Catholic Church and Christians in Hong Kong can be assured of the full support of the Church in this country in their special situation. For both before and after 1997 we wish to strengthen the links between us and to be in closer communication. Catholics in this country will pray for the people of China everywhere, for just government and religious liberty and other human rights, and for the people of Hong Kong, and the Catholic Church and the other Christian communities in Hong Kong.
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