CONFIDENTIAL
(e)
16.
[Defensive] [If suggested that new passports should only be issued in 1997]
Detailed procedures for the issue of new-style passports have not yet been worked out. I note the points made by The
Noble Lord. No decision has yet been taken on the date of issue of the new-style passports. But I am not certain that having a sudden and dramatic change of style in 1997 is the best way of ensuring that the new style is generally
recognised and accepted in third countries.
which deserves serious consideration.
It is a point
(f) International Help with Resettlement (Operation Haven)
17. Some noble Lords have referred to the proposal that an international operation be mounted with the aim of resettling large numbers of the people of Hong Kong. Our aim all along in this agreement has been to provide security for the future
of the people of Hong Kong in such a way that they would wish to stay and make their lives there. We have a very good
agreement which does that. I do not think that this is the
moment to be taking steps to ask other countries to assist with resettlement of Hong Kong people. We would be tearing down with one hand what we had built up with the other.
Other countries would find such a display of lack of faith in
the agreement we have just reached incomprehensible. I fear
that they would see resultant pressure for emigration from
Hong Kong as something precipitated by us. I do not think
CONFIDENT I AL
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.