MR GOODLAD'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 11
12 OCTOBER 1993
Background
NATIONALITY
1.
Nationality has long been a sensitive issue in Hong Kong and in particular two small groups - - the non-Chinese ethnic minorities and war widows have lobbied hard in Hong Kong and London for British Citizenship.
The ethnic minority community
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2.
A delegation from LegCo's House Committee visited London from 8 10 June to take up the cause of the ethnic minorities in Hong Kong. They met both Mr Goodlad and the Home Secretary on 9 June. Mr Wardle informed the LegCo delegation that the position of the ethnic minorities was adequately protected and that there was no prospect of further legislation to make specific provision for them.
3.
The issue was again raised:
- During the passage through Parliament of the two Hong Kong nationality Orders in Council.
- At an Adjournment Debate on 9 July;
- When Mr Goodlad gave evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee on 14 July.
Through a letter campaign by MPs initiated by LegCo Counsellor Elsie Tu to both Mr Goodlad and Mr Wardle.
-
The Government restated its assurance in the House of Lords on 15 July that any solely British national who - against all expectations comes under pressure to leave Hong Kong could expect to have his case for admission to the United Kingdom considered by the Government of the day with special and considerable sympathy.
Mr
4. On 21 July Mr Goodlad wrote to Mr Wardle to say that there was considerable sympathy in Hong Kong for this community and asked if their case could be given further consideration. Wardle replied on 19 August that the assurance he had given remained fully operative and that there were no grounds for changing the Home Office's long standing policy on this issue. Mr Goodlad wrote again in early October to draw Home Office attention to continuing pressure in Hong Kong for special arrangements for this community- and for wives and widows of ex-servicemen.
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JEB