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VISIT BY SIR JOHN COLES TO NEW DELHI, 4 · 6 NOVEMBER 1992
HONG KONG
Points to Make
Constitutional Proposals
The
Mr Patten has a vital job to do at a crucial time. He will
do it well. His political experience and seniority will be to Hong Kong's advantage. General confidence in Hong Kong is higher than it has been for some years.
He has recently proposed a package of measures designed to
develop vigorous democratic institutions in Hong Kong, while
maintaining an efficient, executive-led Government. These
have been well received in Hong Kong.
Mr Patten discussed his proposals last month with Chinese
leaders in Peking. The meeting was unproductive. But we are ready to continue talking, to seek an outcome that is in the best interests of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Indian Community (Defensive)
The Basic Law coming into force in Hong Kong on 1 July 1997 guarantees that non-ethnic Chinese resident in Hong Kong will
be eligible to have right of abode there after 1997 subject to meeting certain resident requirements. We are discussing with the Chinese possible transitional mechanisms which would clearly establish before 1997 the right of abode for
non-Chinese residents including the Indian community.
ptm.sultan.BTC
JEB