حد السااا
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First, I should confirm how much I appreciate the
contribution to Hong Kong by the ethnic minority groups
you represent. They contribute out of proportion to their
numbers. They are valued by the community as well as the
Their concerns over the change of
Administration.
sovereignty in 1997 are understandable, as are other
people's. But their status seems to me in no way in
danger.
As you know the question of whether they have a
special position vis-a-vis UK citizenship has been given
full consideration previously by both the British and Hong
Kong Governments both in the past and more recently in the
context of the British Nationality Scheme. I am afraid
that my conclusions, like those of the Secretary for
Security in full Legislative Council session in November
and his representative at the Nationality Sub-Committee
meeting in late December, are the same: there is
insufficient case for the special treatment on a racial
basis that you request.
Non-Chinese who are Hong Kong British Dependant
Territories citizens [HKBDTCa] or British National
(Overseas) [BN(0)s) are not stateless, as often described,
and will not be after 1997.
In the case of Indians in Hong Kong (leaving
aside the majority who are Indian passport holders) as
HKBDTCS they have the right of abode in Hong Kong now, and