TNAG-1218-FCO40-1523-Future-of-the-Dependent-Territories-1983 — Page 112

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for Hong Kong to be given up, with a satisfactory arrangement for the interests of the people and the stability of Hong Kong (trade, peace and Far Eastern relations), He does not see the need for a transitional period - there has been adequate notice.

He thought it right that UK citizenship should be granted to those Hong Kong citizens who have served the Crown well, eg those who could not, for various reasons, remain under PRC administration. He could not face the prospect of 5.3 million Hong Kong Chinese being given British Citizenship. commented that there are no statistics of Hong Kong Chinese living in the United Kingdom. Their life style permits them to remain as illegal immigrants;

He

Gibraltar. HMG should be absolutely firm in discussions with Spain. There should be no question of sovereignty. He would urge the Government to impress this upon Spain (bearing Falklands problem in mind);

The

(iii) Falkland Islands, A good example of what happens

when HMG does not make her policy clear. exception on citizenship for the Falkland Islanders made a big inroad in the principle of BDTC. HMG need to stress to Argentina that there is no future in their continuing to seek sovereignty over Falklands.

A draft speech will be circulated for comments in due

8 April 1983

GC Livesey

Hong Kong and General Department WH 305

233 4475

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