Kong 3
status, which by definition vill be a fom of British nationality, dạ with
their present status that will not entitle them to settle in the United
Kingdon. But it will enable them to use a British passport and so avail themselves, except in Hong Kong and China, of British consular protectio“
"We were not able to provide that those persons who had been British
dependent terriroties citizens before 1997 should tran suit that status to their children for me generation thereafter. Cricut I recognise that has
been a disappointment to many people in Hong Kong."
On the statioming of Chinese forces in Hong Kong after 1997, Sir Geoffrey stressed that under the agreement the Special Adainistrative Region
goverment vould weergaveblaku have full responsibility for the maintenance of public
order and that forces sent from China for the purposes of defence should
not interfere in its internal affairs, He was confident that the Chinese
Government were aware of the sensitivities in Hong Kong on this matter and
that they would act prudently
The Foreign Secretary described the agreement as honourable. It was good
for Britain and good for China, But far more important than either of thoon
things, it was good for the people of Hong Kong,
Another political notable who warmly comm
the agreement last night
was former Trine Xinister Edvard Heath who said: " I have dealt with the
Goverment of the People's Republic in private business in the City and I
have always found them meticulous in carrying out agreements made sinco
the revolution * Inte hatimal treaties and arrange perts made since the
Intekhational
revolution have always been meticulously observed. That should give us
confidence that the same will be true of the agreement now before ust which I
hope the House will reaffirm todayśw
Replying to the debate in the early hours of this morning the Minister of
State for Foreign Affairs, Er Richard Luce, vas mindful of misgivings.
expressed by some MPs on the future position with regard to citizenships
There were only an estimated 20,000 British citizens in King Kong, They
had the right to enter and live in the United Kingdom. The three millim or
.7
Howe
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