TNAG-0355-FCO40-391-Identity-and-terminology-of-second-generation-residents-in-H-1972 — Page 14

CONFIDENTIAL

5.

(b) "Chinese residents"

These are defined in the Ordinance as persons other

than "Hong Kong belongers" who are wholly or partly

of Chinese race and have at any time been ordinarily

resident in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not

less than 7 years.

A "Chinese resident" has the right to land in Hong

Kong at any time and without any conditions attached

to his stay in the Colony, unless there is a

deportation order in force against him at the time.

The concept of "Chinese citizens of Hong Kong" seems to

be neither one thing nor the other, and we in the Department

think it would be better to leave well alone at present.

In particular we would want to avoid stirring up any hornets

nests about rights to residence in the UK.

5.

In his despatch of 5 May Sir Murray MacLehose has suggested

that our strategy should be "to tackle the domestic problems

of the Colony so vigorously during the next 10 years that they

would be eliminated to a point at which by Western standards

there was nothing to be ashamed of anywhere, and by Chinese

standards much to spur civic pride and a sense of achievement

everywhere." And he commented "Such a policy is worth

pursuing for its own sake. But I believe it also holds out

the best prospect for the least unsatisfactory arrangement

with China on the long term future of the Colony."

2.

CONFIDENTIAL

17.