CONFIDENTIAL
LORD PRIVY SEAL'S VISIT TO HONG KONG: 8 TO 10 JANUARY 1982
BRIEF NO 18: MEETING WITH URBAN COUNCIL AND PRESS CONFERENCE
POINTS TO MAKE
MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT
1.
(Brief to follow).
NATIONALITY ACT
2.
Bill designed to bring British citizenship and nationality
legislation into line. Some changes made at Hong Kong's request.
But not all possible because would have created confusion.
Bill
does not affect HMG's commitment to Hong Kong, which is as strong
as ever.
OVERSEAS STUDENTS' FEES
3. Regret need to raise students' fees but too costly for HMG.
Would have liked special arrangement for Hong Kong and others
because recognise importance of educational links between UK and
Hong Kong. But no money available.
IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA
Applaud your student loan scheme.
4. Pleased illegal immigration under control.
Congratulate security
forces and others on magnificant job. [If pressed] Hope number of
legal immigrants can also be reduced.
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT
5. Nothing has changed since 1975. [If pressed] While constitutional
position same for all Dependent Territories, absence of elected
legislature in Hong Kong makes difference in UK political terms
even though HMG does not accept differentiation.
FUTURE OF HONG KONG
6.
Hong Kong naturally came up in bilateral discussions. We agreed
on importance of maintaining stability and confidence.
Am convinced
of seriousness of Chinese assurances to investors in Hong Kong.
/Meanwhile
CONFIDENTIAL
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