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CONFIDENTIAL
the Crown in Hong Kong as opposed to say minor local staff of a British Embassy or Trade Commission was ludicrous. However, as the grant of citizenship and the right of entry and abode had always been discretionary, he felt that it would be unwise to pursue these as of right. Rather an amendment to remove the exclusion was required and he invited suggestions on this.
4.
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but they
North
Mr Ho said that so far the groups deliberations had gone no further than "drafting instructions" but they would bend their minds to specific amendments. Mr Leung commented they did not look to the UK as a resort of first choice American family ties were in many cases closer wanted the security that eligibility would provide in time of need. It had been difficult to get this point across to the
two MPs, Lyons and Whitney. Mr Wong affirmed that it was psychological security that was sought. Mr Tsang said that if nothing were done this would ultimately be reflected in recruitment and wastage figures.
5.
The Governor said that he understood this but,
over 6 years of debate with successive British Governments, this had been the most difficult point to argue. Those in London could not see why Hong Kong people who really wanted to go to North America were worried about rights of entry to and
abode in the UK. He considered it would be more fruitful to
argue from the point of view of Civil Service morale and the importance of a strong and confident administration as 1997 approached. It was not that a disaster was envisaged - all the indications were that China wished to preserve the status quo and, in any case, the legal position would not apply in that sort of situation but reassurance was needed for those who
must run Hong Kong when the population was feeling insecure. He queried, however, whether separate treatment for Crown Servants would be resented by the private sector and thus
be divisive.
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CONFIDENTIAL
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