TNAG-1024-FCO40-1274-Visit-by-Lord-Carrington--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-1981 — Page 6

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SECRETARY OF STATE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG : PRESS BRIEFING LINE TO TAKE

1.

Aims of visit to Hong Kong are threefold:

a) to discuss matters of mutal interest with the

Governor and Senior Officials;

b) to gain first-hand impression of Hong Kong's achieve-

ments and problems (programme includes, for example, visits to the Security forces to see how they are tackling the illegal immigration problem and examples of Hong

Kong's housing programmes);

c) to strengthen UK's political and economic links with

Hong Kong, and demonstrate HMG's continuing commitment to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.

2. British Nationality Bill, Vietnamese refugees, and UK overseas students' fees will probably come up. Will seek Hong Kong's views and explain political and economic constraints on HMG. British Nationality Bill

3. Secretary of State will continue dialogue with officials and Unofficials about proposals in the Bill seeking to explain purpose of Bill. [Defensive only] Amendments to Bill are a matter for Home Secretary, who is aware of Hong Kong's position.

Vietnamese Refugees (Defensive)

4. Will discuss progress of resettlement, which is continuing. Now under 19,000 refugees (excluding those boat people who arrived through China). Programme does not include visit to

refugee camp. No plans to announce new UK resettlement quota

during visit. Position will be reviewed on Secretary of State's

return.

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