TNAG-1029-FCO40-1279-Visits-by-FCO-officials-to-Hong-Kong-1981 — Page 15

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CONFIDENTIAL

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機密

1

The second category of Citizens of the British Dependent Territories, was included in the draft legislation largely as the result of representations from Hong Kong in reaction to the Green Paper which had included them with British Overseas Citizens. The new Bill would not change the position of Hong Kong passport holders with regard to entry into Britain. Visas were not required for entry from Hong Kong, nor were entry certificates mandatory although it was a help to obtain them in advance. There was no intention of changing this position. Mr. Clift agreed to look into Dr. Huang's question as to whether a series of conditional stays in Britain would enable a CBDT to qualify for permanent residence.

13.

Mr. Clift reiterated that the British Nationality Act and the school fee issue did not imply a weakening of Britain's relationship with Hong Kong.

14.

Mr. SHUM Choi-sang said that whilst he did not doubt Mr. Clift's assurance certainly the feeling in Hong Kong was that these measures were equivalent to Britain taking a step away from Hong Kong and asked if in regard to the 1997 issue, if basically a wait-and-see attitude was being adopted. Mr. Clift said the situation was of course being watched closely.

Kowloon Park

15.

Mr. Kenneth Lo said that whilst he realized it was a domestic issue, a matter had been raised at a meeting previously that morning concerning Kowloon Park. Government's proposals were to place shops along the only non-commercial section on the western side of Nathan Road underneath the perimeter of Kowloon Park. The Council had opposed this some five years ago and had made representation to the Town. Planning Board. The matter had been held at abeyance for some five years and the matter had now again been raised. The Council were totally against this proposal but had now exhausted their legal remedies. The matter, however, still had to go before Ex. Co. and Mr. Clift was urged to use whatever influence he had to have this decision reversed. Mr. Clift said that there were obvious limits to the extent to which he should intervene in matters of this kind. He would mention the matter in the appropriate quarters.

CONFIDENTIAL

5./

機密

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