TNAG-1025-FCO40-1275-Visit-by-Lord-Carrington--Secretary-of-State-for-Foreign-and-1981 — Page 165

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representations made by Hong Kong.

Locally engaged government

servants and Unofficials fear that Bill represents an attempt by

HMG to distance itself from Hong Kong so that, in the event of a

Chinese take over, HMG will not be responsible for resettling the

local population in Britain. Unofficials sent representatives to

London in February to see Secretary of State and Home Secretary.

5. Hong Kong's main concern is that provision should be made for

Civil Servants and Unofficials to be naturalised as British

citizens. Good progress made.

FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASE

6. (See Brief No 9). This is a sensitive issue and knowledge in Hong Kong of the work done on it is limited to the Governor and the

Political Adviser. There have been no consultations with

Unofficials.

7.

Question of future underlies anxiety felt in Hong Kong on

It is necessary to subjects like Nationality and students' fees.

reassure Unofficials and Press that HMG is still commited to

fulfilling its responsibilities for Hong Kong.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA

Those who reached

8. (See Brief No 11). In 1979 and 1980 large influx of Chinese

illegal immigrants seeking higher living standards. urban areas were allowed to stay. Numbers of immigrants too high for

economic and social well-being of Hong Kong.

9. New policy adopted in October 1980 of repatriating all illegal immigrants. There has been little opposition in Hong Kong, except from Taiwan-backed groups who claim that illegal immigrants are refugees from persecution. No evidence to support this claim. Hong Kong Government flexible in cases of genuine humanitarian concern.

/REGIONAL

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